God's Wrath Turned Into Love

Intro: There is so much misunderstanding and misinformation about God. Why did God do this? Some think God is just waiting for us to mess up so He can club us. We can never grow in our relationship with God and receive His fullest blessings until we have cleared our minds of any confusion and false information. I believe we need to hear what God has to say about Himself in His word, the bible. It has been taught by some that God gets angry or mad at you and punishes you. You will not find that in the new Testament. Jesus took God's wrath against us upon Himself when He went to the cross. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Propitiation speaks of the satisfaction of God’s holy wrath.

O.T. God did get angry at His people and punished them because they disobeyed Him and they were under the dispensation of law. There was no mercy at that time. Thank God we are not under law but grace. Romans 6:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. People abuse the passage of scripture found in Hebrews 12:10-11 (NLT) that says ¹⁰ For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. Chasten- restrain, subdue,whip,train, correct.
¹¹ No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Sickness is not for discipline, if it is, we shouldn't try to get well because that would mean we were fighting God's will for our lives. You don't discipline your children that way. If we are God's child, He is never angry at us. His Spirit is quenched and grieved by our sinful actions. We should not do those things we know bring sorrow to God's heart. We will never be condemned or judged for our sins if we are His child, saved by Jesus.

 God is never angry at us, only sinners. John 3:17-18 (NKJV) ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:36 (NKJV) ³⁶ He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Sinners [those without Christ] have already been judged guilty, they are under God's wrath- angry judgment!

1. Listen to how God deals with His people through the apostle James who was the Lord's half-brother. James 1:13-18 (NLT) ¹³ And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. ¹⁴ Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. ¹⁵ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. ¹⁶ So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ 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. ¹⁸ He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Discipline is from God, sickness is not, according to God's word. Acts 10:38 (NLT) ³⁸ And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

God also has this to say about His relationship to His children in the 8^th chapter of Romans.

Romans 8:31-39 (NKJV)
³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
³³ Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
³⁶ As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

From these scriptures we understand that God's love is always with us and we shall never be separated from it. When we don't understand and want to get angry and blame someone, let it be the one who deserves it, the devil himself.

God is not the problem, the devil and sin is! Let's get rid of both in our lives! Let's live for Jesus and try to get as close to Him and the Father as we can by praying, reading and studying God's word and then by living in obedience to God's word.

Invitation: If you have never asked Jesus to forgive you, do it now. Life is short and eternity is long. Where will you spend it? If Jesus is your Savior you are in the hands of God and no one can take you out!

Temperature Check

Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)

3:14 ¹⁴ "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: The name Laodicea means either the people ruling or the judgment of the people. The Lord Jesus speaks of Himself as the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God. Jesus Christ is the "beginning of the creation of God." Jesus Christ is the great Creator of the universe, the Maker and Sustainer of the universe and all that is therein. Therefore, He is the source of all—all good things, all real wealth and satisfaction, all purpose, meaning, and significance in life, all love, joy, and peace that a person experiences. Therefore, the church must not depend upon its prosperity: its rituals, ability, energy, wealth, and resources. Its only hope for life is to trust Him who is the beginning of creation, Him who alone can give the church life both abundant and eternal life. Therefore, no matter how prosperous the church, it is not the creator nor the sustainer. Christ alone creates and sustains. The church's wealth and prosperity are meaningless and useless apart from being absolutely centered in Jesus Christ.

3:15–17 ¹⁵ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 

¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 

¹⁷ Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--The church at Laodicea was neither cold nor hot. It was sickeningly lukewarm. The Lord would have preferred it to have been extreme in its indifference or its zeal. But no—it was lukewarm enough to deceive people into thinking that it was a church of God, and so disgustingly lukewarm about divine things as to nauseate the Most High. Furthermore, the church was characterized by pride, ignorance, self-sufficiency, and complacency.

3:18 ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa. 55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross.  It may also mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Pt. 1:7)

Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.

3:19 ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. The Lord’s love for the church is seen in the fact that He rebukes and chastens it. If He did not care, He would not bother. With lingering tenderness, He calls on this nominal church to be zealous and repent.

3:20²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Jesus is outside the door of the professing church, politely knocking and inviting individuals (no longer the mass of the people) to open their hearts in order to sup or have intimate fellowship with Him.

Richard Trench comments:

Every person is lord of the house of their own heart; it is our fortress; we must open the gates of it and make Jesus Lord of our lives. We have the prerogative and privilege of refusing to open. But if we refuse, we displease Him and we miss the power and blessings of God in our lives.   

3:21²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. The overcomer is promised that he will share the glory of Christ’s throne and reign with Him over the earth during Christ’s 1000 year reign. Those who follow Him in humility, in rejection of the things of the world, and  in suffering will also follow Him in glory.

3:22 ²² He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Then for the last time, the hearer is solemnly advised to listen to the voice of the Spirit.

Whatever interpretation we take of the book of Revelation, it is undeniable that the church of Laodicea presents a vivid picture of the age in which we live. Luxury-living abounds on every hand while souls are dying for want of the gospel. Christians are wearing crowns instead of bearing a cross. We become more emotionally stirred over sports, politics, or television than we do over Christ. There is little sense of spiritual need, little longing for true revival. We give the best of our lives to the world, and then we give what’s left to the Savior. We cater to our bodies which in a few short years will return to dust. We accumulate instead of forsake, lay up treasures on earth instead of in heaven.

Jesus admonishes us to repent, open the door to our hearts and let Him in so He can have close relationship with us. It will be to our benefit for us to take up Jesus' offer and lay up treasures in Heaven.

Invitation: Jesus is standing at your hearts door right now, knocking. Will you let Him into the deepest recesses of your heart and mind and soul? What is Jesus saying to you right now? What does He want you to do? Do it and you will be blessed!

Intimacy with God

Intro: I have said many times that the O. T. was as important for us today as it was for those to whom it was written. It was written for our admonition. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NLT)  These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

1 Chronicles 28:9-10 (NLT)

V:9a “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately.” Some describe intimacy with the phrase "into me see." It’s more than just head knowledge. Even the demons have head knowledge of God and Jesus. James 2:19 (NLT)  You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.

Intimacy with God means to know Him in depth, knowing many different aspects of His person, like trust, what He likes and dislikes, how He will respond in different situations, because of the many experiences you've shared with Him. Intimacy takes time to learn! It starts with a desire to really know Him more than just a surface relationship. It’s sharing your time and life with Him. Learn To like what He likes and do what He does. All saved people have not same closeness to God. Intimacy is work!

V:9b Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. Intimacy with God involves worship- adoration, reverence, and respect for who He is! He’s not the old man upstairs!

This is one of the main reasons for church. Worship involves obedience! Worship must be with whole heart and willing mind, not forced or coerced. A. W. Tozer, once regarded as a prophet of the 20th century, said, “True worship is to be so personally and hopelessly in love with God, that the idea of a transfer of affection never even remotely exists.”

Exodus 20:3 (NKJV) You shall have no other gods before Me.

Intimacy with God involves service of some kind. There is some way we can all serve God. All of us can develop our willingness and ability to help. He has given each of us a gift with which to serve Him. Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV) 

⁴ For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
⁵ so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
⁸ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Jesus gave us the command to pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers to be sent forth into the fields. We can all pray for this church, prayer list and pastor. Pray For lost souls to be saved here in this place. Pray we would do God’s will. Must be done with your whole heart, no reservations, not halfway, and you must have a willing mind. Don’t serve God because you have to, but because you are willing to do what He says. Service for the Lord brings you closer to Him.

V:9b For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought.

God knows your attitude and motive for each thing you do. What does God see when He looks at your heart? Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. All will be judged! Not just on what we have done, but our attitude and reason for what we have done.

V:9c If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Intimacy with God involves putting Him first and seeking to know Him more than anything else. Philippians 3:8-11 (NLT) ⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ⁹ and become one with him. Whole hearted commitment!

If you can reject Jesus and walk away from Him, then God will reject you forever.

V:10 So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.” Solomon was to build God a place to dwell among His people. God now dwells in us.

All activities of building a temple should be to prepare for the reception of God's presence in all His glory. We are to be one with Him, He is to control our every thought, word, and action. Ephesians 2:20-22 (NLT) ²⁰ Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

²¹ We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
²² Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT)  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, ²⁰ for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. We are to prepare our hearts for the fullness of God’s presence in our daily lives. It is a continual work until the day we die.

Invitation: How intimate are you with God? How much do you experience Him in your everyday life? Would you be willing to confess you don’t know God as much as you should? You are not as close to God as you want to be? God wants you to have the closest of relationships with you so He can reveal more of Himself to you. Are you willing to start seeking God as He wants you to?

You can never be close to God without asking Jesus God’s Son to forgive your sins and save you.

Prayer of Praise

Prayer of Praise

1 Chron. 29:10-15

1 Chronicles 29:9-10 (NKJV)
⁹ Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly. ¹⁰ Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: "Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.

The people and David had just given freely and wholeheartedly to the building of God’s Temple.David rejoiced in his prayer and gave the God of heaven praise for His greatness.     Praise is the offering of grateful honor and worship in words or song. This prayer is different than most because it is not a petition for anything but instead David in his prayer gives God glory for all He is and what He has done and is doing for Israel and all mankind.

1 Chronicles 29:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore-(love, respect, and admire, esteem) you as the one who is over all things.                                         

 The purpose of the temple was to worship and exalt the Lord and to acknowledge that God is sovereign ruler over all. David modeled before the people the worship of the living God. It typically starts with praise for God’s omnipotence because He has complete control over the universe, and has great power in the heavens and earth. He is the glorious Master over all things and all beings.

 1 Chronicles 29:12-14 (NLT)
¹² Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. ¹³ “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! ¹⁴ But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!

David confessed that the riches and honor he and the people enjoyed had come from God’s generosity. People today think that these things come from their great ability. But verse 12 tells us the truth about where riches and honor come from. When we learn to accept the fact that God owns it all, it will open the door to give freely and willingly as these people had done. The offerings David and his people had just made were possible only because God first had given to them, and God made them to be: Able to offer so willingly: Not only is the ability to give, but the willingness to give, is also a gift of God, to those who are close to Him. When you realize that it all comes from God and belongs to Him, that you are only steward of what God has given you, you will want to give to  Him.                           2 Corinthians 9:7-9 (NLT) ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ⁹ As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forev

 1 Chronicles 29:15 (NLT)
¹⁵ We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.

David calls us to reality. We are only Aliens-visitors and strangers: David asserts that life on earth is transitory and very temporary. Only when a person becomes conscious of his or her place within the care and blessing of a sovereign God does life become more than a shadow. Suddenly the hope of a future with God illuminates that person’s journey on this earth.

Hebrews 11:13-16 (NLT)
¹³ All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads (wanderers) here on earth. ¹⁴ Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own.
¹⁵ If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back.
¹⁶ But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)
¹⁴ For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

Invitation: Do you know realize that God is in control of everything, even your life and eternal destination? Are you prepared for the day you stand before Him and answer the question He will ask, “Why should I allow you into my Kingdom?” What will your answer be? The only answer God will accept is that you have asked His Son Jesus to forgive your sins and invited Him into your life. If you have not done this, then I plead with you to ask Jesus Christ to save you right now. Then you will live eternally with God the Father and Jesus  His Son.

What Jesus Has Done For Us

Luke 22:39-44 (NKJV)
³⁹ Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. ⁴⁰ When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." ⁴¹ And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." ⁴³ Then an angel (appeared) to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

  God had to send an angel to strengthen Jesus. We are not told, but certainly the angel would have shared how His death...•   was an act that glorified and honored God because it was doing exactly what His Father wanted. It was an act of obedience, of love and adoration for God. It was an offering, the perfect offering to God. His life would be for the salvation of all mankind.

His death was to result in His own glory and honor and exaltation, and was the only way man could be saved eternally.

Also, the angel probably did some very practical things. We can imagine the angel embracing His Lord, just holding Him ever so tightly, and perhaps infusing strength into His being. The scene of our Lord being so weak that He had to be embraced and engulfed in the arms of an angel should break every believer's heart. Perhaps the angel wiped the perspiration and blood and tears off His brow. Whatever the scene, we need to see the awful weight and intensity of our Lord's agony.  

He prayed "more earnestly," more intensely. The reason is seen in the Greek words for "being in an agony.” The Greek (aorist participle) means Jesus experienced a growing agony. The weight upon Him was not only intense; it grew more and more intense. The pressure and sense of suffering became heavier and heavier. The picture is that of His becoming engrossed and embodied in agony. Thus, He prayed more and more earnestly. His prayer grew and increased in intensity even as His agony intensified.

  He sweat great drops of blood. The words "great drops” mean thick clots of blood. Apparently Jesus was under so much pressure the capillary veins right under the skin burst and the blood mingled with sweat and poured through the enlarged pores. What Jesus was experiencing can never be known.

And He did it all for you and I. When He was in the garden, we were on His mind. And now He is on our mind and we worship and praise for His Supreme sacrifice that saved you and I from the penalty of hell. He gave us the right to become children of God so we could live with Him and the Father forever.

John 19:17-19 (NKJV)
¹⁷ And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,
¹⁸ where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.

 The crucifixion was the summit of sin and love. The crucifixion itself was the most horrible of deaths. There was the pain of the driven spikes forced through the flesh of Jesus' hands and feet or ankles. There was the weight of His body jolting and pulling against the spikes as the cross was lifted and rocked into place. There was the scorching sun and the unquenchable thirst gnawing away at His dry mouth and throat. In addition, just imagine the aggravation of flies, gnats, and other insects that tormented Jesus as He gave His body in death for us. On and on the sufferings could be described. There has never been a more cruel form of execution than crucifixion upon a cross. Remember His body broken for you as you partake of the bread.

There was the blood oozing from His scourged back, His thorn crowned brow, His stick beaten head and scarred face. Then there was the shedding of Jesus blood as a soldier pierced His side. John 19:34 (NKJV) But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

Remember these things as you partake of the juice that rep. His shed blood!

John 19:28-30 (NKJV) ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Everything needed for the salvation of mankind was finished on the cross at Calvary. We will praise, honor, and glorify Jesus for all eternity for all He has done for us.

 Revelation 5:11-14 (KJV)
¹¹ And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
¹² Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
¹³ And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
¹⁴ And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Invitation: Jesus suffered horribly for you so you could be saved. If you have not already taken advantage of His salvation, today is the right time! Confess your sins to Jesus and Ask Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life. Then live in the power, love, and sound mind that Christ gives!

Sufficient Grace

 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (NKJV)
⁶ For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. ⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

V:7  And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Paul was given a "thorn in the flesh" What was his "thorn in the flesh?" The word "thorn" means either thorn or stake. Just what the thorn was is not known. Doesn't really matter what the thorn was. It was from Satan’s messenger to torment Paul. It was causing him grief.

Paul had experienced the spiritual power of Christ as few have ever done. God had given Paul deep and intimate spiritual experiences. There was the danger that he might begin to think too highly of himself; therefore, God gave Paul a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble.  Paul wanted deliverance and relief; he wanted God to remove the thorn. Why? It hindered him!

Because...• It pricked and bothered him. It distracted him from his ministry. It made him appear personally weak and sickly. It caused him emotional pain as well as physical!

V:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.   Note that Paul prayed three times for God to remove the thorn. Jesus Christ had also prayed three times for the suffering of the cross to be removed (cp. Matthew 26:36-46).

  Paul says there were three reasons why God refused to remove the thorn from his flesh.

V:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. First, God wanted to guard against Paul's being puffed up. God can’t use puffed up people! They are too full of themselves. When we are full of pride we are not looking to God. God hates pride! (Prov. 6:16-17) Pride ends in destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Greatest enemy of mankind!

V:9  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Second, God wanted to reveal His power in Paul. The weaker the vessel, the more God is glorified when the vessel really seeks Christ continually for the power and grace he needs to be able to live for and serve Him in spite of his weakness. Less we are seen; the more Christ Jesus is seen.

The apostle John said in John 3:30 (NKJV) He must increase, but I must decrease.

Note God's answer to Paul’s prayer: "My grace is sufficient for thee" (V:9) the presence, love, favor, and blessings of God are sufficient to help the believer walk through any suffering. The word "sufficient" means plenty of the power or strength to withstand any danger. God's grace within the believer can carry the believer through anything. It may be either physical or spiritual attacks; but no matter: God's grace is sufficient to see us through whatever the thorn is.

  "My strength is made perfect in weakness" (V:9) the weaker the believer, the more God can demonstrate His strength. If a man is self-sufficient, he does not need God; but if he is weak, he needs God: the help, provision, and sufficiency of God. One of the most startling things about 2 Corinthians 12 is that this is not an exception to how God works; it is the rule. The pattern in God’s work on earth is to channel his power through human weakness. God does not skim off the top ten percent—the most gifted, the most articulate, the smartest, the best educated—for significance in the kingdom.

He picks the basest or lowest. The no bodies in the world’s view. He picks people like you and me.

 V:10 "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  Note the point of this statement: infirmities or weaknesses are purposeful. The believer suffers for a reason: that the power of Christ may be demonstrated and clearly seen in his life. The word "rest” means to fix a tent upon. The idea is that the power of Christ rests upon the suffering believer just as the Shekinah glory dwelt in the holy place of the tabernacle. What a glorious thought! The strength of Christ fixes itself upon and dwells within the believer—filling him with the Shekinah glory of God—when he suffers. He gives an extra amount of strength and power for His purposes.

 Third, God wanted to teach Paul to live "for Christ's sake." When Paul suffered some infirmity or weakness, it gave Christ the chance to infuse power into Paul and to overcome the weakness for Paul. Paul's infirmity gave Christ an opportunity to prove Himself. The power of Christ can overcome any weakness or temptation for the believer. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT) That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

When the believer is weak, he is strongest. How? By the power of Christ that rests on him. And the power of Christ is much stronger than all the combined forces of mankind. Christ’s clear manifestation of his power in Paul’s weakness would become a source of inspiration and a reason to praise and glorify Jesus. Truly when Paul was weak really then he was strong.

The fact that Christ’s power is displayed in weak people should give us believers courage.  Instead of relying on our own energy, effort, or talent, we should turn to Christ for wisdom and strength. Weakness not only helps a person develop Christian character; it also deepens that person’s worship, because admitting weakness affirms Christ’s inexhaustible strength.

  The great need of all believers’ is to acknowledge their weakness before the Lord. When we do, the Lord pours His strength into the believer's mind and heart. The Lord empowers the believer to overcome and conquer all infirmities and weaknesses.

You are just the kind of person God loves to use. The power of God—will give you power to kill sin, power to walk in the fullness of the Spirit,

power to speak courageously about Jesus,

power to love the unlovely,

power to help lead many to Christ,

power to make your life count—such power is for inadequate people.

INVITATION: Acknowledge your frailty to God. Look to the Savior. He embraced the weakness of the cross so that you and I, weak sinners, can embrace and experience the blood-bought power of God—now. Have you been born again? If you don’t know Christ as your Savior, you can’t experience the grace and sufficient strength He brings. Make sure you personally know Him as your Savior. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life and you will be glad you did!

Three Essentials For The Christian

Work, Labor, Hope

Intro: What if we had a tribute to the contributions Christian workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of God’s Kingdom? A Christian contributing to the strength, prosperity and well-being of God’s Kingdom is a Christian that is stirred up and aroused to work and should be commended. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 N.K.J. The apostle Paul does commend the Thessalonian Christians. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (NKJV) ² We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, ³ remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, ⁴ knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

 He commends them for their work of faith; labor of love and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These three things stir and arouse a Christian to work.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 (NKJV) ⁵ For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. ⁶ And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
⁸ For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

1.  Faith stirs the Christian to work. Faith comes by hearing God’s word. Rom. 10:17!

Paul had brought them God’s word and many had responded. When the power of the Holy Spirit is working through the word, a person is drawn to Jesus Christ and when he truly believes in Him by faith, he is filled with joy and is stirred to work and serve the Lord Jesus. The same is true with a body of believers, the church. To exercise our faith, there must be a commitment to believe.  In Hebrews 11:6 we are told…But without faith, it is impossible to please him, for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is rewarder of those that diligently seek him. We are to seek God and believe His word, we are to believe his promises, believe he is able to do far and above anything, we could expect in the natural, because God is supernatural.  Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV) ¹ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. ³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Creation is one of God’s supernatural actions. He is able to do many supernatural things through our faith in Him. The stronger the belief of a Christian in Christ and His word, the stronger will be their work of faith for Him. Luke 17:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ When the apostles wanted more faith they said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." ⁶ So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.  A strong faith stirs, arouses, activates, and energizes believers to work and carry out the mission of Christ. There must be a commitment. These people were being persecuted severely but they didn’t stop lifting up Jesus. There must be an understanding, not to give up, but Trust God in everything. Even, if it is not politically correct, and Even if others don’t see it.  Strong believers don’t give up their faith, to try and please people. God is the One we want to please.  

2. Labor of Love Faith without love is of no value. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)
¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

When a person truly loves Christ, he is prompted and driven to labor for Christ. Love stirs the Christian to labor. The word "labor" means to toil; it’s a persistent work. Labor of love is work done by those who have experienced the forgiveness and love of Christ, Those who are always conscious that Christ has taken their sins upon Himself and borne the punishment for them. In response to Christ’s love for them, the believers are motivated to express God’s love to others.

This love is described in 1 Cor. 13: 4-8a. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV)
⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

Simply stated, labor of love is exercising the power of the Holy Spirit within to love God, self, and others just as Jesus has loved us. It is the wonderful love of Christ at work in the believer that moves him to love and serve others. The believer does all he can to please Christ and to fulfill the joy of Christ. This is what Paul meant when he said "the (love of Christ) constrains (makes) me" to serve Him. 2Cor.5:14

3. Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ stirs the Christian to endure in its work and labor. Our hope (confident expectation) is in the Lord Jesus Christ to return from Heaven to take us home to be with Him.

So we patiently wait for Him. Wait means more than just wait; it emphasizes an active attempt to live for His glory in the meantime. As we wait for Jesus we will continue our work of faith and our labor of love for Jesus by living for Him and serving others.

We know that that Lord is going to transfer us into heaven at the end of this life and reward us according to our labor here on earth. Therefore, strong believers and churches are driven to endure in hope—to continue on in their difficult work of faith and labor of love for Christ. We love Him because He has first loved us and gave Himself for us.

Invitation:  Have you put your faith in Jesus for your salvation? Have you experienced the love of Jesus? If not ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you. Invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life. If you do have faith in Him, Are you working your faith? Are you laboring in love, serving Him out of your love for Him and others? If not, why not? We were saved to do works of righteousness and labor for His Kingdom. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

The Joys of Trusting God

Psalm 40:1-5

We see so many Christian people that seem so sad and they feel beat down by the pressures and the problems of this life, Facing Trials and temptations on every hand.

King David gives us a firsthand personal witness of the benefits and joys of trusting God with all the problems of life. No matter what he faced, David had the privilege of taking everything to God and then fully trusting Him with the problems in his life. In the first 3 verses David tells us the benefits of confidence in God.

In Psalms 40:1-3 (NLT) ¹ I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. ² He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. ³ He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

 David  gives us a report of how God delivered him from all his troubles. V:1 The first benefit is patience! David says he had learned to wait on God to move and help him.

David could even have patience while waiting for God to help him. Then David says God turned to face him and inclined His ear (bent down to hear) his request. God promises that He will hear us when we continue to ask, seek and knock, with continuous praying. Matthew 7:7 (NLT) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

V:2 The next benefit of having confidence in God is His answer. David says he was going through a time of despair or hopelessness. He felt the pressure of his many enemies and He was in helpless in the mud and mire of guilt for his sins before God. But when he prayed to God out of his pitiful state, God changed his guilt of sin to pardon. He changed his corruption to holiness, his despair to joy. God had now set David’s feet on solid ground by giving power over sin to where he could walk steadily in the paths of God’s leading.

V:3 Another benefit of confidence on God is a new song of praise to God for His goodness. God will bring a new song to your heart when He delivers you. We are to tell others about God’s mercy and grace in delivering us from our hopeless problems and troubles. When we do we will see another benefit of our confidence in God and that is people will see what He has done and they will put their trust in God as well.

In the next two verses David gives us encouragement to commit our troubles and our lives to God.  Psalms 40:4-5 (NLT) ⁴ Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.

V:4 In this verse we see the joys and blessedness of trusting God. We will have no confidence in arrogant people (those who are full of self and think they know it all) and those that brag about what they can do; God says the arm of flesh will always fail you. Jeremiah 17:5 (NLT) ⁵ This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.

Neither will we trust in idols. Idols are anything that takes up more of our time then God does! People look to everything the world has to offer (idols) trying to escape from their despair and hopelessness. We Christians will look only to God!

V:5 ⁵ O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

We are filled with joy when we remember the wonders God has performed for us. Count your many blessings, name then one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Look at the wonders of creation, the vastness and order of the universe and beyond. Look at the wonders here on earth, Food, clothing, houses, cars, TVs, luxury items!  Nature itself is a wonder of God. God’s wonders happen every day. As a pastor, I have seen many miracles and wonders that God has performed in people’s lives. They are too numerous to mention, we would forget some. One of the joys and blessings of trusting God is there is no one equal to Him. Many people fear the devil instead of God. The devil is not omnipotent, omniscient, he cannot create. He came to deceive, steal, kill, and destroy. Let’s take David’s personal witness and take everything to the highest authority there is. God invites us come to Him day or night. We have a High Priest who understands our need and presents our case.Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) ¹⁴ So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. ¹⁵ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Invitation: Have you experienced the joys of trusting God lately? Take your worries, fears and doubts to God right now as He gives you this invitation to come to Him.  Have you fully trusted Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Ask Him to forgive your sins against God and invite Him into your heart. Come to Him while He is near and experience the joys of trusting God!

The Hope of Glory

Intro: I have two questions for you! Are you a saint or sinner? Now in God’s eyes, are you a saint or sinner? God calls us saints 101 times in the K.J.V. How many Christians do you know who have been forgiven of their sins but still do not see themselves as a saint, but a sinner  still struggling with the past and unable to forgive themselves..                                                                                                       

Some Christians feel condemned in themselves because they have let God down in some way.

And they go on trying to please God by their works and efforts to keep His laws.  But the bible plainly states that:

Romans 3:20 (NLT)  No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Romans 5:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
²¹ So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are made right with God by His wonderful grace through Jesus Christ.

The bible says in Colossians 1:26-28 (NKJV) ²⁶ The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. ²⁷ To them [saints] God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope [confident expectation] of glory. ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The mystery is that Christ actually lives within the believer. When God looks at you, He sees Christ in you. He is our hope of spending eternity in glory.

This is the truth of the Indwelling Christ—that Christ actually lives within the hearts and lives of believers and that His presence is their guarantee of living forever in glory and being righteous in our standing before God. The presence of Jesus is a living, eternal presence. He died, but He did not stay dead. He arose and conquered death; He arose to live forever. Now think: if Jesus Christ is living forever and He dwells within the believer, then that means the believer lives eternally. He never dies.                          Everyone who has Christ dwelling within will be presented as perfect before the Father God.

Romans 8:1 (NLT)  So now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Because we are in Christ & He is in us, we are no longer condemned in God’s eyes.

  We must see ourselves as God does. Don’t condemn what God has forgiven in Christ.                 

Romans 6:1-14 (NLT)
¹ Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?
² Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
³ Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?
⁴ For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
⁵ Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.
⁶ We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.
⁷ For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
⁸ And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.
⁹ We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.
¹⁰ When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.
¹¹ So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
¹² Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
¹³ Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
¹⁴ Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

We are not to see ourselves as sinners, but because of Christ in us we are dead to sin. It no longer has power over us because we have been crucified with Christ. We have died to sin and are to consider [think through the truth of] ourselves as crucified with Christ and therefore dead to sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:20 (NLT) My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. We are to live daily in Christ Jesus as we surrender our lives daily to Him and pursue Him through time alone in prayer, bible reading, study and meditation. We should be thankful and surrender our lives to Jesus and be obedient to Him. Jesus in you is the hope of glory.

This is the way to be fully pleasing to God the Father.

Invitation: Is Christ in you? Do you have the hope of glory! Pray and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life right now to give you the hope of glory and eternity in Heaven!

Do Not Fret

Psalms 37:1-11 (NKJV)

¹ A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 

² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. 

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 

⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 

⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. 

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 

⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm. 

⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. 

¹⁰ For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.

¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 

Intro: As we look and listen to the people around us, we see people that live as they want; they are arrogant, rude and never recognize that God exists. They seem to prosper. If we aren’t careful we begin to envy them and begin to fret and be troubled at what we see. God has a word for us His people.

37:1. Do not fret because of evildoers. This psalm begins with the first great lesson on how to live in light of the wicked who prosper around us. That lesson is, Fret not. Don’t agonize, be troubled or concerned. It would not be a sin for one who only knows God as Creator to fret, be worried, troubled or concerned. They doubt God’s love and purposes for them. But we who know Jesus as our Savior and Lord, We know God as our Father, for us to fret and doubt God’s purpose and saving power and tender love is wrong indeed. The verses that follow explain that we, God’s people, are in a much better position than the wicked.

V:2. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass. As the book of Job says, “the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment” (Job 20:5). Why should God’s righteous children be envious of that? What’s the sure cure for fretting?

V:3. Trust in the Lord. Have confidence and dependence on God. If you are concerned with those around you who live wickedly and prosper, here is the second lesson that the psalmist would teach us. The cure for fretting is faith. Regardless of the circumstances around us, we must still trust in the Lord. But there is more, and do good. True faith always produces good works. A faith that trusts in the Lord will find active outlet. And feed on His faithfulness. We feed our mind and spirit with God’s promises to us. The Good Shepherd is always present to care for His sheep. He is ever faithful. Feed on this thought, and you will fret not. V:4. Delight yourself also in the Lord. Means have pleasure and joy in the Lord. Here is the third lesson we must learn. If we make the Lord God the object of our affection, His word our meditation, and then our activity, then we will find ourselves rejoicing in the Spirit. Evildoers delight in their position in this world; but as a child of God, if you delight in yours, you will never envy theirs. And He shall give you the desires of your heart. When we find pleasure in the Lord God, we will then be rewarded with our innermost desires; we will have all that God intends for us to have.

VS:5–6. Commit your way unto the Lord. The psalmist now teaches us a fourth lesson in understanding why the wicked apparently prosper while we are afflicted. To have that peace and understanding, we must cast ourselves and our lives unreservedly upon God, yield ourselves wholly to Him, and cultivate the habit of placing our lives in His hands. There can be no better medicine to dispel envy and fretting. And He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light. If the prosperity of the wicked causes us to fret, we can always be assured that God will ultimately make things right. Our righteous living will be brought to light. Our justice, honesty and integrity will shine bright as the noonday sun.

V:7. And now the fifth lesson that the psalmist would teach: Rest- [relax] in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Wait patiently does not mean inactivity, but literally, this means to be silent, not to murmur as you wait for God to move. That is, do not make any complaint when the wicked prosper around us. To fulfill this lesson requires a special unction of grace. We must trust and recognize that God is fully in control of the situation and simply wait for Him to work it out to our good and His glory. Synchronize your life with His timetable, and you will have learned how this lesson well.

VS:8–10. In these verses is God’s  advice concerning the inheritance of the wicked, as opposed to the inheritance of the righteous. As we cease fretting about those who prosper around us and forsake our wrath and anger, we can see more clearly that evildoers shall be cut off. Those who are evildoers will certainly, sooner or later, be cut down, as the grass of the field. Although we may only partially see this prophecy fulfilled in our lifetime, it will find its complete fulfillment in “…Revelation 20:11-15 (NKJV)
¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. ¹⁴ Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
¹⁵ And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. The wicked shall be thrown into the lake of fire. The next verse tells us what will happen to God’s righteous people.

V:11. But the meek shall inherit the earth. This prophecy was reiterated by the Lord Jesus.                                               Matthew 5:5 (NKJV) ⁵ Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Meek; means to have a strong, but tender and humble, life. It is a strong yet teachable spirit. It is not being weak, bowing or spineless. It is a person who is strong, very strong, yet is humble and tender. It is a person with all the emotions and ability to take and conquer, but is able to control himself. It is discipline—a person disciplined because he is God-controlled. Revelation 20:6 (NKJV) ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.                    And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. There may not be an abundance of peace now on this earth, but an abundance of peace is ours when we fret not and trust God. We relax in Him and wait for Him to move. We God’s righteous people do not have to fret. The wicked face God’s judgment and we will inherit the earth and we shall forever delight ourselves in the abundance of peace as we rule and reign with Christ.

Invitation: Have you ever trusted the Jesus to save your soul? Romans 3:23 says we have all fallen short of God’s glory. Have you ever confessed your sins and asked Jesus to forgive you? If not you will never have peace and you will never enter God’s kingdom. Why won’t you do that now in the privacy of your own home, office, or wherever you are reading this? You don’t want to put it off. Death is certain, and Hell is hot!