Faith

24
Apr
2024
Boasting in Christ Alone

Boasting in Christ Alone

Romans 15:17 – “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God”

As believers, we are called to serve God in various capacities, utilizing the gifts and opportunities He has graciously bestowed upon us.

However, the apostle Paul reminds us that the ultimate purpose, motivation, and attitude of our service should be to exalt and honor Christ, who is the source and goal of our service.

Purpose of Our Service

Exalting Christ Paul declares, “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.”

His service was driven by a desire to glorify Christ, expressing love and gratitude to the Savior and Lord. This should be our aim, too – to depend on and trust in Christ, who is the power and wisdom behind our service.

Danger of Pride

Unfortunately, we often forget this purpose and fall into the trap of pride.

Pride is the sinful tendency to think highly of ourselves and lowly of others, taking credit for what God has accomplished and blaming others for our failures.

It alienates us from God’s grace, damages our relationships, blinds us to our faults, and robs us of joy and peace.

Remedy of His Grace

Overcoming pride and learning to glory in Christ alone requires acknowledging our need for His grace.

Grace is God’s undeserved favor and kindness towards us, not something we earn or deserve, but something we receive freely and generously from Him.

The supreme expression of God’s grace is the person and work of Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again, defeating sin and death.

He offers us eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the gift of His Spirit and Word to guide and empower us.

Response of Our Faith

To receive this grace, we must respond with faith – trusting and relying on God’s promises, accepting His will, and obeying His commands with gratitude.

Faith is not a work we boast about but a gift we humbly receive, the means by which we are justified and sanctified by God’s grace.

When we receive God’s grace by faith, we are set free from the bondage of pride and enabled to glory in Christ alone.

We can serve God with joy, humility, love, gratitude, dependence, and trust, giving Him all the glory and honor, for He alone is worthy.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
23
Apr
2024
Grace Abounds All the More

Grace Abounds All the More

Romans 5:20

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Challenge of Sin

Sin profoundly impacts everyone. It represents rebellion against God’s will, the violation of His holy law, and the corruption of His good creation.

Sin severs our connection with God’s love, exposing us to His wrath and judgment. It also damages our relationships with others and ourselves, leading to misery and death. Ultimately, sin lies at the root of all evil and suffering in the world.

Our own efforts and merits cannot free us from sin. We cannot flawlessly adhere to God’s law, nor can we erase our past transgressions.

Our sinful nature remains unchanged, and the power of sin overwhelms us. In our helpless state, we deserve God’s condemnation and punishment.

Precious Gift of Grace

Yet, in His boundless love and mercy, God provides an escape from sin and its consequences. He bestows upon us the gift of grace—an undeserved favor and kindness.

Grace is not something we earn; it is freely and generously given by God. It serves as the wellspring of our salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, transformation, peace, and joy.

The pinnacle of God’s grace is found in Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. Jesus entered our world as a human, lived a sinless life, and willingly died on the cross for our sins.

His resurrection conquered sin and death, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, we can receive the Holy Spirit and His life-transforming Word, guiding and empowering us.

His unconditional love intercedes for us.

Response of Faith

  • How can we access this abundant grace?
  • How do we experience it?

The answer lies in faith. Faith involves trusting God’s promises, surrendering to His will, and obeying His commands. It justifies and sanctifies us, declaring us righteous and holy through God’s grace.

Faith is not a self-generated work; it is a divine gift. We humbly receive it, recognizing that boasting has no place.

Faith is our lifeline to God and His grace—a channel through which His abundant blessings flow into our lives.

Fruit of Joy

What happens when we embrace God’s grace through faith? Joy blossoms. This deep and lasting delight transcends circumstances, rooted in God’s goodness.

Joy evidences the work of the Holy Spirit, the reward of faith, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It fuels our service and witness, comforts us during trials, and directs praise and glory to our God and Savior.

Joy isn’t a mere feeling we manufacture; it’s a reality we discover. We don’t chase after it; we possess it. Joy overflows from God’s grace within us, radiating outward to bless others.

Remember this kids song . . . it’s not just for kids!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

Chorus

And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
22
Apr
2024
Blessed Are Those Who Wash Their Robes

Blessed Are Those Who Wash Their Robes

Revelation 22:14

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Promise of Eternal Life

The book of Revelation unveils vivid imagery and symbolism, revealing God’s ultimate plan for His people and the final judgment of the wicked.

Among these beautiful scenes is the vision of the new Jerusalem—a holy city descending from heaven to be the dwelling place of God and His people.

In this celestial city, sorrow and pain are no more. Death has been conquered, and the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4). The city’s brilliance emanates from the glory of God and the Lamb, banishing darkness forever (Revelation 21:23).

At its heart stands the tree of life, bearing twelve abundant crops of fruit, yielding sustenance every month. Its leaves bring healing to the nations (Revelation 22:2).

Symbolism of the Tree of Life

The tree of life symbolizes God’s abundant provision and blessings for His people. It reminds of Eden, where God placed the first humans and granted them access to this life-giving tree.

Sadly, sin led to their banishment from God’s presence (Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24).

Yet, in the new creation, God restores humanity to its original state of innocence and joy. He extends an invitation: wash your robes, cleanse your hearts, and partake of the tree of life.

Eternal life awaits those who love Him and obey His commands.

Washing Our Robes: The Key to the City

  • How can we claim this promise?
  • How do we enter the celestial city?

The answer lies in washing our robes—symbolic of repentance, forgiveness, and purity.

As we turn from sin, our garments become white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, we gain the right to partake of the tree of life and dwell eternally in God’s presence.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
21
Apr
2024
Finding Strength in Waiting: Trusting God During Trials

Finding Strength in Waiting: Trusting God During Trials

Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.”

What does waiting on God truly mean?

Active Trust, Not Passive Resignation

Waiting on the Lord isn’t passive or resigned. It’s actively trusting His timing and plans, acknowledging His wisdom and control.

It’s surrendering our desires to His will and finding rest in His presence and promises.

Hope in God’s Power and Goodness

Waiting also signifies hope in His power and goodness.

It’s believing He can exceed our expectations and work all things for our good, and it is the unwavering trust that He will fulfill His word and promises, causing us to rejoice in His grace and faithfulness.

Why Wait on the Lord?

Life in a fallen world is filled with troubles – difficulties, temptations, sorrows, and anxieties.

We face limitations; we lack complete control, wisdom, and answers. Waiting reminds us of God’s sovereignty and love as the ultimate authority.

He holds the future, possesses power and understanding, and embodies the righteousness and holiness we lack.

How to Wait on the Lord

  • Prayer and Seeking His Face: Communicate with God, asking for help, guidance, and thanking Him for provision, protection, and glory.
  • Reading and Meditating on Scripture: Study and apply God’s word, memorizing and meditating on it for transformation, obedience, and delight.
  • Serving and Obeying Him: Use your gifts and talents for His kingdom, sharing resources, ministering to others, and following His example.

Encouraging Others to Wait

  • Share Testimonies: Tell others how God has been faithful in your life, answering prayers and providing strength and hope.
  • Show Love and Support: Pray with and for them, listen empathetically, offer comfort and counsel, and share burdens and joys.
  • Point Them to God’s Character and Promises: Remind them of His love, grace, power, presence, and faithfulness.

Waiting on the Lord isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding. It’s preparation, not delay; fulfillment, not failure; a gift, not a burden.

As we wait, He renews our strength, grants our heart’s desires, and shows us His salvation.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
20
Apr
2024
Hope in the Shadow of the Cross

Hope in the Shadow of the Cross

Matthew 27:45 – “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.”

The cross, a symbol of horrific execution, becomes a beacon of hope in Christianity.

The Crucifixion: A Profound Event

The cross wasn’t just physical torture.

It was a spiritual battle where Jesus, the Son of God, took on the weight of humanity’s sin. He endured unimaginable suffering, feeling forsaken, yet offering himself as a sacrifice.

This darkness paved the way for the light of His resurrection.

The Cross: Source of Hope and Freedom

The cross represents the core of Christian faith. Here, God’s love and justice meet, offering forgiveness and freedom.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can, by faith, be released from the burden of sin and fear.

We become children of God, reconciled and embraced by His grace.

Healing and Wholeness Through the Cross

The cross signifies healing and wholeness. Jesus carried our burdens, restoring what was broken.

He took our pain and infirmities, offering restoration and comfort. He shared our humanity, assuring us we are not alone.

Responding to the Gift of the Cross

The cross calls for repentance and faith. It reveals our need for God’s mercy, urging us to turn from sin and trust in Him. We are challenged to surrender to His will and follow His path.

The cross evokes worship and gratitude. It unveils God’s glory and compels us to praise and thank Him. We are inspired to adore, serve, and love Him, extending that love to others.

The cross ignites a passion for witness and mission. It proclaims God’s victory and empowers us to share the Gospel and make disciples. We are commissioned to expand His kingdom and await His return.

Finding Hope in Suffering’s Shadow

The darkness of the cross doesn’t signify the end, but a path to glory. Suffering, though difficult, can be used by God for good. He assures us of His presence in our trials, never abandoning us.

The cross reminds us of the unwavering hope in Christ, who conquered the world. We have a future with Him, secured by His love. Our suffering is not in vain, and an eternal reward awaits us.

The cross motivates us to persevere. Just as Jesus endured for the joy set before Him, we too can find strength. By fixing our eyes on Him, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, we are empowered to run the race He has set before us.

The cross, though marked by darkness, is also a symbol of immense light. It represents the greatest tragedy and triumph, offering the most sorrowful yet precious gift. Through the shadow of the cross, we find the path to the light of His glory.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration