Christian faith

16
May
2024
When Facing the Impossible, Trust God

When Facing the Impossible, Trust God

Mark 10:27 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Let’s face it, life can get really tough. 

We all encounter challenges, problems, and difficulties that leave us feeling hopeless or helpless. 

Maybe it’s a health issue, financial strain, a rocky relationship, or something else entirely.  In those moments, it’s easy to wonder how we’ll ever overcome what feels like the impossible.

But here’s the good news: you’re not alone.  The Bible is filled with stories of people who faced seemingly insurmountable situations.  They battled giants, endured storms, and grappled with doubt and fear.  Yet, through it all, they discovered something powerful:  with God, nothing is impossible.

We Can’t Trust in Ourselves

Many of us instinctively turn to ourselves when facing major difficulties. 

We tend to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or abilities.  Maybe we place our hope in money, possessions, or the support of loved ones. 

While there’s nothing wrong with these things, they can’t be our ultimate source of trust. 

They’re ultimately unreliable, and they can fail us.

True Trust Lies With God

There is Someone, however, who will never fail you: God. 

  • He created you, knows you intimately, and has a plan for your life. 
  • He offers forgiveness, healing, and transformation. 
  • He guides, protects, provides, and empowers you. 
  • He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. 
  • He is holy, loving, and faithful. 
  • He is the one who makes all things possible.

Trusting God Isn’t Always Easy

Trusting God completely takes surrender, obedience, and humility. 

It means letting go of control, your agendas, and your expectations.  It means following His will and relying on His promises.  It requires admitting your weaknesses and dependence on Him.

Yet, trusting God brings incredible rewards.  It brings peace, joy, and hope.  It brings freedom, security, and purpose.  It fosters growth, maturity, and a life that bears fruit.

Strengthen Your Trust in God

Trusting God isn’t something we do on our own.  Here are some ways to cultivate a deeper trust:

  • The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit lives within you, enabling you to trust God and obey His voice.
  • The Word of God: The Bible teaches you about God’s character and His faithfulness.
  • The People of God: The Christian community can encourage and support you in our faith journey.
  • God’s Grace: God’s grace covers you and sustains you through trials and temptations.
  • The Example of Jesus: Jesus perfectly trusted God, even to the point of death on a cross. He showed you how to trust God in all circumstances.

Trusting God Brings Hope

No matter what you’re facing today, remember that God is capable of anything.  He can do more than you can imagine, and He can work in His way and timing to bring about His glory and purpose.

Trust that God knows what’s best for you, and that His love for you is everlasting. 

Trust that He is working in and through you, and that He will never abandon you.  Trust in His faithfulness and His promises.  Trust Him, and expect great things from Him.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
15
May
2024
The Joy of Your Name: Discovering Your Identity in Christ

The Joy of Your Name: Discovering Your Identity in Christ

Let’s talk about joy. What makes you happy?

Is it that new gadget you just bought, or maybe that upcoming vacation you’ve been dreaming about? There’s nothing wrong with enjoying these things, but what if I told you there’s a source of joy that goes way deeper?

The Bible tells us in Luke 10:20 that our true joy comes from knowing our names are written in heaven.

 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

That’s pretty powerful, right?

Your Name Matters to God

Your name isn’t just a random label. It’s a reflection of who you are to God. He chose you before you were even born to be His beloved son or daughter. (Ephesians 1:4).

Think about that for a second. You are chosen, loved, and accepted by God Himself, not because of anything you’ve done, but because of His amazing grace. That’s something to celebrate!

Living Up to Your Name

Having your name written in heaven comes with a responsibility – to live a life that honors God. It’s about loving Him with everything you’ve got and loving others the way He loves you.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

It’s not always easy, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit is there to empower you to resist temptation, overcome challenges, and live a life that reflects God’s character.

Finding Joy in Your Name

So, how do you experience this joy that comes from knowing your name is written in heaven? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Your Identity is Secure: Your standing with God isn’t based on your feelings or circumstances. It’s based on His love and faithfulness.

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39
  • Your Purpose is Clear: God has a plan for your life, and He wants to use you to share His love with the world.

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10
  • Your Relationship Matters: Knowing God and experiencing His love is the greatest joy there is.

 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

Living the Joyful Life

As you grow in your relationship with God, you’ll discover a joy that goes beyond anything this world can offer. It’s a joy that comes from knowing you are loved, forgiven, and secure in God’s hands.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Thankfulness
14
May
2024
All In: Following Jesus Wholeheartedly

All In: Following Jesus Wholeheartedly

Have you ever felt a nudge towards following Jesus more diligently? Maybe a sermon resonated with you, a friend invited you to church, or a scripture passage spoke volumes.

Perhaps you felt God’s presence in prayer, a crisis, or a joyful moment. Whatever the case, you sensed a pull to follow Jesus and become His disciple.

But what exactly does that mean? Is it just a prayer, church attendance, or good deeds? Is it a one-time decision or a lifelong commitment? Easy or hard, or maybe both?

The Cost of Discipleship

For answers, let’s look at Jesus calling His first disciples (Luke 9). Traveling and preaching the Kingdom message, He encountered people interested in following Him.

However, Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the cost. He challenged them to consider the commitment and make a radical choice.

One person said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family” (Luke 9:61). Seems reasonable, right? Family is important.

But Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62)

Was Jesus being harsh? Unrealistic? Not at all. He used a farming analogy to illustrate a spiritual principle. Plowing required focus. Looking back disrupted concentration, creating crooked furrows, wasted effort, and a poor harvest.

Similarly, following Jesus requires focus. A disciple glancing back at their old life loses focus, leading to poor decisions and wasted effort.

Jesus wasn’t saying to abandon family, neglect responsibilities, or ignore relationships. He emphasized not letting anything distract from our primary allegiance to Him and His Kingdom. He wanted our wholehearted following.

Challenges and Rewards

Following Jesus isn’t a walk in the park. It involves sacrifice, surrender, and service. Leaving behind old ways, habits, attachments, and ambitions. Taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and following Him.

Facing opposition, persecution, and hardship. It’s about faithfulness, obedience, loyalty, humility, teachability, and willingness.

But it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s grace, forgiveness, and love. A new life, identity, purpose, and hope. Experiencing God’s presence, power, peace, and joy.

Joining His mission, community, family, and Kingdom. Growing in faith, character, wisdom, and fruitfulness. Sharing in His glory, honor, inheritance, and victory.

Following Jesus is the best decision we can ever make. It’s the most meaningful, fulfilling, and satisfying life. It’s the only path to true happiness, freedom, and life.

Following with All Your Heart

So, how do we follow Jesus wholeheartedly?

How do we avoid looking back or holding back?

How can we be fit for service in God’s Kingdom?

The answer is simple yet challenging. We need to love Jesus more than anything else – family, friends, possessions, comfort, reputation, dreams, plans, even our own preferences.

We need to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He’s our Lord, Savior, Master, Friend, Treasure, Delight, our Everything.

This isn’t achievable alone.

  • We need the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to love God and obey.
  • We need the Word of God, guiding us.
  • We need the support and encouragement of the Christian community.
  • We need God’s grace, which covers and sustains us in weakness.

Most importantly, we need the example of Jesus, who loved us enough to give Himself for us.

He followed the Father’s will wholeheartedly, even to death on a cross. He rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven, and intercedes for us. He will return and welcome us into His eternal Kingdom. He deserves our wholehearted devotion, unwavering attention, and unreserved commitment.

He is the one who says to us, “Follow me.” Are you ready to follow Him with all your heart?

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Faith, Trust
13
May
2024
Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Life as a follower of Christ isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Jesus himself warned his disciples that they would face opposition, even violence, for their beliefs.

They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

(John 16:2)

This can be a scary thought. Why would anyone be persecuted for their faith? And how can we stay strong when things get tough?

Why Does Persecution Happen?

The truth is, the world doesn’t always understand or embrace what Jesus represents. He challenges the status quo, exposes darkness, and offers a different way of living (John 7:7).  This can feel threatening to those who cling to worldly values and priorities.

Here’s the thing: persecution isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a sign that you’re living faithfully and making a difference.

Responding to Persecution

So, how do we react when faced with persecution? Here are some key takeaways from Jesus’ teachings:

  •     Don’t be surprised. Jesus warned us about this reality, so we shouldn’t be caught off guard

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

John 15:18
  •     Don’t be afraid. Our physical safety might be threatened, but our eternal soul belongs to God

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28
  •     Don’t be ashamed. Standing up for your faith, even in the face of opposition, is something to be proud of

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:26

The core response to persecution is unwavering faithfulness. No matter the cost, we continue to:

  •     Obey Jesus’ commands and follow His example.
  •     Share the message of the gospel with love and compassion.
  •     Remain rooted in Him and allow His teachings to guide us.

Finding Strength in the Midst of Trials

Even the most courageous person can feel overwhelmed.  The good news is, we’re not alone!  Here are some promises from Jesus that offer strength and hope:

    The Holy Spirit is with us. We have a powerful comforter, advocate, and counselor by our side

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:16-18

    We have a purpose. Our trials can refine our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:2-4).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

    Eternal life awaits. The temporary hardships we face pale in comparison to the joy and reward that awaits us in Heaven

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

Standing Firm in Faith

Persecution can be a difficult reality, but it doesn’t have to define us.  By remembering the reasons behind it, responding with unwavering faith, and clinging to the promises of God, we can face any challenge with courage and hope. 

Commit to following Jesus, no matter the cost, knowing that He is always with you.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
12
May
2024
Seeing God in Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Seeing God in Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Have you ever felt a longing to know God on a deeper level? Maybe you’ve asked questions like, “What is God really like?” or “How can I have a closer relationship with Him?”

The good news is, the Bible gives us a clear answer. In John 14:7, Jesus makes a remarkable statement: “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus is basically saying, “Get to know me, and you’ll get to know God the Father.” But how do we “know” Jesus? This devotional explores how Jesus, through His teachings and actions, reveals God’s character and offers us a path to a deeper connection with Him.

Knowing Jesus as the Way

Imagine you’re lost in a maze. You’re confused and disoriented. Suddenly, someone appears who knows the way out. They offer to guide you, step by step, until you reach safety. That’s what Jesus does for us.

When Jesus says He’s the “way” (John 14:6), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

He’s saying He’s our guide. He shows us the path to God, a path that was blocked by our sin. He overcame those obstacles through His sacrifice, opening the door to eternal life.

Knowing Jesus as the way means trusting Him. It means believing He knows the best route for our lives and following His lead.

Knowing Jesus as the Truth

Think of a teacher you truly admired, someone who not only presented information but also lived by it. Jesus is that kind of teacher.

He doesn’t just tell us about God; He reveals God’s character. He fulfills God’s promises and embodies God’s truth. Jesus speaks God’s words and does God’s work. He instructs us in God’s ways and corrects us when we stray.

Knowing Jesus as the truth means believing what He teaches. It means accepting Him as our Lord and surrendering to His wisdom and guidance.

Knowing Jesus as the Life

Have you ever felt lost and alone? Like there’s no hope for a brighter future? Jesus offers a solution: Himself.

He’s the source of God’s love and grace. He shares God’s joy and peace. He died for us, conquering sin and death, and now lives to intercede for us. He saves us, sanctifies us, and promises to never leave us.

Knowing Jesus as the life means receiving Him as our Savior and friend. It means allowing Him to fill us with His love and purpose.

The Bridge to God

So, how do we truly know God? By knowing Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God, the embodiment of His nature. He makes God visible to us and bridges the gap between us and the divine.

Knowing God through Jesus isn’t just about intellectual understanding; it’s about a personal relationship. It’s about experiencing God’s love firsthand and living a life transformed by His presence.

This knowledge isn’t something we achieve overnight. It’s a journey of continual growth, a deepening intimacy with Jesus as we walk alongside Him.

Commit to seeking Him more and more, allowing Him to reveal the Father’s heart to you. As you grow in your knowledge of Jesus, you will naturally grow closer to God; as a matter of fact; Jesus IS GOD!

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith