CHOICES IN LIFE
How can we speak of the Light (Jesus Christ) if we choose to live in darkness (sins)? We can easily hide the truth but we can never be at peace in our hearts. There’s no evil that we can commit to make God love us less and there’s no good that we can do to make Him love us more. He loves us just the way we are… with all our flaws and imperfections.
Date of original post: 28 May 2014
IMPERFECTIONS
I can relate to the imperfections of human beings being one myself. And I know that God can use anyone of us because His hand will be upon us to lead us into accomplishing the task He has for us. As such, His glory and grace are revealed through our imperfections. Romans 8:28 tells us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. I take great comfort in this scripture. God is good!
Date of original post: 28 May 2014
SWEET ASSURANCE
Many of you have to go out and contend with fierce antagonism, rejection from friends or family, a marriage failure, loss of friendship, bitter disappointment, a financial reversal, or something similar but you will get through. And the reason you will get through is because God’s power is at work in your life.
You are not alone – God is with you. You may be shaken but you will not be shattered, knocked down but not knocked out. What is more, you will come through the experience with thanksgiving. You will be thankful because through your difficulties you will be brought closer to God.
Date of original post: 26 May 2014
FINDING TREASURE IN TRASH
(See opportunity when others see calamity)
The trash is dumped on Jesus. His disciples deserted Him and fled. Jesus had to bear it all, bear all our trash. It was the darkest night in history as there were no answers from heaven, no help from the people, no loyalty from His friends. God didn’t take away the cup because it’s His will for Jesus to die for us. Yet, in it all, Jesus saw the reason to hope (an example for us to follow) even though He was left alone and His world collapsed at that time in total silence.
Yet, in all His sufferings, Jesus was able to (1) see good in the bad… (2) purpose in the pain and… (3) God’s presence in the problem. Therefore, we have to learn to see good in every bad happenings as all things will work out to be good for those who love the Lord. The solution is not to avoid trouble but to change the way we see our troubles. God can correct our vision. Praise Him!
Date of original post: 26 May 2014
SANDPAPER PEOPLE
Sandpaper is a wonderful substance for working with wood. It removes all the rough spots, making wood as smooth as glass and just as nice to touch. But sandpaper is not nice if it is woven into the fabric of a person personality. “Sandpaper people” are those who rub us the wrong way. Yet these would be the very people God is using to make us more like Christ.
It could be anything from the way they wear their hair to the way they talk. Most of us can probably identify at least one person like this who taxes our patience and Christian spirit. Perhaps it would help if we try to take a different view of these people. We should pray for them and in doing so will help us to be more tolerant and forgiving in our attitude.
Date of original post: 26 May 2014
GOD’S GREAT RESCUE PLAN
(John 10:9 – I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved)
If one has gone on the wrong road – the broad road – does not inevitably mean that one will finish up in hell as one can choose to turn off and take the other road – the narrow road – that leads to life and to heaven. The great rescue plan which our Lord Jesus Christ initiated when He came to this earth enables us to move from one road to the other.
The idea that eventually all evil will be refined to such a degree that there will be a marriage between heaven and hell is preposterous and holding it is a terrible error. Our Lord’s great rescue plan accomplished for us on the cross is the only answer to hell. Because of this no one goes to hell just because they are bad and no one goes to heaven just because they are good. They go to either one of those two places according to their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Date of original post: 26 May 2014
OBJECTIONS TO HELL
(2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord… is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance)
What are the objections that people raise towards the idea of hell? You may have heard different forms of this argument. Sometimes it is presented like this: God is too good to send people to hell. Or the Almighty is a forgiving Father so is it not reasonable to suppose that ultimately all will be forgiven?
Take the first version of the argument: God is too good to send people to hell. But in actual fact God doesn’t send anyone to hell. They go there of their own accord by refusing the offer of mercy and forgiveness that is found in Jesus Christ. Now take the second version: that a loving heavenly Father will ultimately forgive everyone. This objection is based on a misconception of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is different from condonation. When you condone something you decide to overlook it, to excuse it. Forgiveness has to be accepted in order for it to be complete, otherwise it is merely theoretical. A person who does not admit to any guilt will not be able to accept forgiveness. The damned are, in one sense, successful rebels to the end and that the doors of hell are locked on the inside… they certainly do not will to come out of hell as they are self-enslaved.
Date of original post: 26 May 2014
TOTAL SURRENDER
(Psalm 143:10 – Teach me to do your will, for you are my God…)
One of the saddest things that is happening in our day is the movement away from the traditional belief in an everlasting hell. More liberally-minded Christians and non-believers are embracing “universalism” – the belief that everyone will ultimately be saved and reach heaven. The theory does not take into consideration the tremendous power of the human will. When God gave us a will, He did so knowing full well that we could use its power not only for Him but against Him.
Nevertheless he chose to bestow upon us this awesome power. Our joy as individuals lies in the surrender of that will to the Creator, but it has to be a surrender as God will not force us to do anything. It would be very comforting to perceive the idea that all will be saved. However, this is not true. When people say all will be saved, the question that follows is: “Without their will or with it?” If it is without their will, then where’s a contradiction because how can the supreme voluntary act of self-surrender be involuntary? If it is with their will, then how can it be if they will not give in?
Date of original post: 26 May 2014
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