The Battle is the Lord's

"and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands." 

1 Samuel 17:47

David faced Goliath knowing  to whom the battle really belonged. The giant would not be brought down by mere swords or spears, but by the power of Jehovah. What giant are you facing today? Don't try to fight it in your own strength. God already has the defeat of your antagonist in His plans. Relinquish your control to the Lord and watch Him bring the victory. The battle belongs to Him!

Telltale Faith

"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." 

James 2:26

The spirit brings life to the body. In the same way, the action we take as Christians brings life to our faith. These actions -- or works -- demonstrate the reality of our faith and come in various forms. God may instruct a believer to do something that is solely between Himself and that person, such as in the case of Abraham offering up Isaac on the altar (James 2:21-23). Or, God may give us an opportunity to protect someone, as Rahab sheltered God’s spies in Jericho (James 2:25). Perhaps the work will involve meeting someone’s physical or financial needs. Whatever it is, we can be sure God will call us to obedience. How we respond will tell much about our faith.

When We Grieve the Holy Spirit

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30

One of the amazing things about this verse is that God would condescend to us in such a way that we could grieve Him. To think that Almighty God loves us to that degree. Is it not proof enough of Christ's love for us that He died on the cross to save us from hell? It is understandable that He would be grieved by those who reject Him. But now we are told in this verse that as His beloved children our sinful actions can bring sorrow to His Holy Spirit. This truth should cause us to stop and examine ourselves and determine how we may be grieving the Holy Spirit of God today. Once we have identified that which grieves Him, we can confess it to God. He will faithfully forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). 

He Knows

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Luke 12:7a

These words of Jesus should bring great comfort to us in those times when we have special needs. The God of the universe is intimately familiar with each of us. He knows the exact number of hairs on your head, and my head, and every other head on earth.  How, then, can we doubt that He already knows what we require before we even mention it, and that He will supply it? 

Power to Conquer

"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Rome during a time when Christians were severely persecuted. Some even faced death for their loyalty to Christ. How then could Paul say "we overwhelmingly conquer"? The answer lies in their relationship with Christ. Their spirits were united with His. All that He had belonged to them. Christ had conquered death. He victoriously rose from the grave, and for those who had received Him as Savior, that same victory was theirs to grasp. Christ has not changed. The truth of Romans 8:37 should bring courage and hope to all of us who today belong to Him. No matter what trials or tribulation come our way, we have a Power living in us that assures us we need not shrink back in fear. In everything we "overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" and gave His life for us.

Love Letter to God

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, 

Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

Today is Valentine's Day. Let's write love letters to God. I'll go first.

Lord, while I was a sinner, defying You and living a wicked life, You died for me. You hung on the cross and saw my sin, and You gave Your lifeblood to save me. This is love, Lord. This is pure and unadulterated love. The amazing love that would hold You to the cross as you saw my sin. You had the power to come down off the cross, but You stayed there to rescue me. This is far beyond any love a human could feel. Jesus, I love You.  I want to thank you, but  "thank you" is so inadequate. I don’t deserve You, but I am so grateful that You love me and died in my place. That is love. Perfect love. A love I can never repay. All I have to offer You is myself. Here I am, Lord. I am Yours. And for the one who doesn’t yet know You, I pray they will be awakened to the extent of Your love for them and in return they will give You their heart. For You died for them, too, Lord. That is how much You love us.

He Is More Beautiful

"Bless the LORD, O my soul!

         O LORD my God, You are very great;

         You are clothed with splendor and majesty," 

Psalm 104:1

My eyes are fixed on the majestic mountains surrounding me, clothed in the splendor of the season. A brilliant azure sky hovers over them, and in this moment I think there is nothing that could be more beautiful. Nothing except my Lord. He is more beautiful than the finest scene I can imagine. The cover of His splendor and majesty is His glory. Bless the LORD, O my soul! He is very great and greatly to be praised!