Eternal Life

07
Jul
2024
The Words of Life

The Words of Life

Have you ever felt lost and unsure of where to turn? In John 6:68, we find a powerful statement by Peter after Jesus delivers a challenging teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

Faced with confusion, the disciples begin to abandon Jesus. Yet, Peter remains, declaring:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

John 6:68

Why Does Peter Stay?

Despite the confusion, Peter recognizes something profound about Jesus.

Jesus’ words hold the power of eternal life. This isn’t just about physical sustenance; it’s about a spiritual connection with Jesus, the source of life itself.

Power of Jesus’ Words

Jesus’ words offer more than just information. They have the power to:

  • Transform Lives: Jesus’ teachings challenge us to grow, change, and become more like Him.
  • Bring Hope and Comfort: Jesus’ words offer comfort in times of trouble and hope for the future.
  • Lead to Eternal Life: Ultimately, faith in Jesus and following His teachings is the path to eternal life.

Following Jesus: More Than Just Words

While Jesus’ words are powerful, they must be accompanied by action.

True faith involves putting those words into practice by following Jesus’ teachings and living a life that reflects His love.

Embrace Jesus’ Words

  • Read the Gospels: Immerse yourself in Jesus’ teachings by reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
  • Reflect and Pray: Take time to meditate on Jesus’ words and pray for the strength to live them out.
  • Join a Christian Community: Surround yourself with believers who can encourage you and help you grow in your faith.

John 6:68 reminds us that Jesus is the source of eternal life.

By embracing His words and following His teachings, you can experience a transformed life here on earth and the promise of eternal life with Him.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
18
Jun
2024
No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper

No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper

Life throws curve-balls. We face challenges, opposition, and setbacks that can leave us feeling discouraged. But Isaiah 54:17 offers a powerful message of hope.

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from me, declares the Lord.”

Isaiah 54:17

These words are a promise from God to His followers: no matter what difficulties we face, His faithfulness will ultimately prevail. But how can we hold onto this promise when things seem bleak?

Understanding the Promise

The verse doesn’t guarantee a problem-free life. It assures us that:

  • Challenges are inevitable: We will face opposition, but God won’t abandon us.
  • God’s faithfulness is our shield: He protects us from the ultimate harm, even if we experience temporary difficulties.
  • We have the power to overcome: With God’s help, we can silence the voices of doubt and condemnation.

Finding Strength in God’s Faithfulness

Here’s how to lean on God’s faithfulness during challenging times:

  • Trust in His promises: Remind yourself of His unwavering love and commitment to His children.
  • Seek His guidance: Pray for wisdom and discernment to navigate difficult situations.
  • Focus on your purpose: Remember that God has a plan for your life, even amidst challenges.
  • Live a life that honors Him: Your faithfulness to Him strengthens your trust in His faithfulness to you.

Heritage of the Servants of the Lord

Isaiah 54:17 refers to the “heritage” of God’s servants. This heritage is not about material possessions, but about the spiritual inheritance we receive through our faith:

  • God’s presence: He is always with us, offering comfort and strength.
  • His victory: Ultimately, we are on the winning side because we belong to Him.
  • Eternal life: Our hope extends beyond earthly challenges to the promise of eternity with God.

No matter what you’re facing today, remember this: God’s faithfulness is your ultimate weapon. Trust in Him, hold on to His promises, and allow His strength to carry you through.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
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.

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“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!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
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.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration