Scripture

13
Apr
2024
God’s Enduring Word

God’s Enduring Word

Luke 21:33 tells us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (NIV).

This verse highlights a profound truth: God’s word transcends time and circumstance.

Eternal Nature of God’s Word

God’s word isn’t limited by time or space. It’s unchanging and independent of human opinions. Unlike the temporary physical world, God’s word endures forever.

Jesus emphasizes this by stating that even heaven and earth will eventually fade, but His words – spiritual and eternal – will remain.

This assures us that God’s word is a more reliable source of truth than anything we can perceive with our senses.

Unmatched Power of God’s Word

God’s word isn’t mere words on a page; it’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to create, heal, convict, transform, save, and sanctify.

Jesus describes His words as “spirit and life” (John 6:63). They have the capacity to bring about new beginnings, restore what’s broken, bring conviction of sin, and lead to spiritual transformation.

God’s word offers what we deeply need and long for.

Trusting and Obeying

Trusting God’s word is essential. It’s not something we can ignore, doubt, or pick and choose from. We must embrace and obey it.

Jesus compares those who hear His words and put them into practice to a wise person who builds their house on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24). God’s word provides a secure foundation for our lives, guiding our decisions and offering a wise investment for our future.

Ultimately, God’s word presents us with a choice and a challenge. It shapes our destiny and tests our faithfulness. It’s an opportunity and a responsibility we cannot neglect.

Treasuring and Sharing

God’s word is a priceless treasure we shouldn’t keep to ourselves. It’s meant to be shared and spread.

Jesus uses the illustration of a merchant seeking a pearl of great value (Matthew 13:45-46). He emphasizes that God’s word is a precious treasure worth seeking and acquiring. Just as the merchant sold everything he had to buy the pearl, we should value God’s word above all else.

God’s word is both a gift we’ve received and a mission we’ve been entrusted with. It’s a treasure to cherish and distribute to the world around us.

God’s word is eternal, powerful, trustworthy, and priceless. It’s the ultimate source of truth, guidance, blessing, and purpose.

Cultivate a love for God’s word and allow it to guide your life.

As the psalmist proclaims, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105)

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
03
Mar
2024
Putting Away All Malice

Putting Away All Malice

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (Colossians 3:8)

Examining Our Hearts

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul instructs believers to meticulously examine their hearts and cast off any sins that have taken root. Although we have been made new in Christ, vestiges of our old nature still rear their ugly heads.

As redeemed saints, we must be brutal in ripping out these sins from our lives. Paul lists several specific ones – unchecked anger, raging fury, spiteful malice, abusive speech.

Like persistent weeds, they can quickly overrun our souls if not eliminated.

Malice in Our Midst

Malice is an especially dangerous weed – its roots dig down deep into the soil of our inner being. It springs up slowly, often unnoticed, but silently chokes out the fruit God desires.

This bitter root produces resentment, jealousy, distrust, and hatred towards others.

Even fellow believers can become targets of our malice. We begin viewing them through suspicious eyes, questioning their motives.

We withdraw, murmur, divide. Unchecked, malice metastasizes, poisoning our fellowship. As God’s chosen ones, we must purge this evil from our midst.

Cultivating Clean Hearts

Eradicating malice requires brutal honesty and courage. We must allow the light of Christ to shine into the hidden crevices of our hearts, exposing malicious motives.

Repentance and forgiveness will wash away past offenses.

Moving forward, we must nurture hearts soft to the leading of the Spirit, quick to extend grace. As malice withers in fertile soil of love, joy and peace will blossom, enriching all our relationships.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
01
Mar
2024
Sovereign Lord

Sovereign Lord

“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” (Acts 4:24)

As we read this verse, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring power of our God. He created absolutely everything – from the vast expanses of outer space, to the deepest oceans, to the tiniest microorganisms.

His creative abilities know no bounds. When we ponder the intricacies of His creation, it can only fill us with wonder.

Our Sovereign Lord holds ultimate authority over all He has made. He governs the universe and sustains all of life by His divine power. We can take great comfort in knowing that such an all-powerful Being cares deeply for us.

Even when chaotic storms arise in our lives, we need not fear, for our Lord reigns over every detail.

Unshakable Kingdom

What confidence and hope this truth instills in us as children of God! Though worldly kingdoms and rulers will crumble in due time, our Sovereign Lord’s kingdom shall never be shaken.

While others scramble after temporary power and riches, we can live at peace knowing our eternal destiny rests securely in His hands.

No agenda conceived in the halls of governments can overturn His purposes. No military force can overwhelm His angelic armies.

There is no philosophical argument can undermine the truth of His Word. Our Lord sits enthroned in the heavens; His rule and reign shall continue unhindered forever.

Our Eternal Security

We must continually renew our perspective and align our thoughts with this transcendent reality. When we face hardships, let us remember the one who spoke light into existence can certainly illuminate our darkness.

When we feel weak, let us draw strength from He who flung stars into space and still sustains them. Our security rests in Him alone.

As adopted heirs to His kingdom, we need not strive for status, provision or stability – these are gifts granted by His grace.

Our calling is simply to align our hearts with His – to love Him, trust Him, worship Him. He shall supply all our needs, now and for eternity.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
22
Feb
2024
Your Reward – Don’t Lose It!

Your Reward – Don’t Lose It!

“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 1:8 NIV)

What Does It Mean to Watch Out?

The apostle John wrote this letter to a group of Christians who were facing false teachers and deceivers. He warned them to be careful not to be led astray by those who denied the truth about Jesus Christ. He also encouraged them to remain faithful to the commandment of love and to walk in obedience to God.

To watch out means to be alert, vigilant, and discerning. It means to pay attention to what we believe, how we live, and who we associate with.

It means to guard our hearts and minds from anything that would compromise our faith or our relationship with God.

Why Do We Need to Watch Out?

It is important to watch out because we have a precious treasure that is worth protecting. John said that we have worked for something that we do not want to lose. What is that something? It is the reward of eternal life that God has promised to those who believe in his Son.

The reward of eternal life is not something that we earn by our own efforts or merits. It is a gift of God’s grace that we receive by faith. However, it is also something that we can forfeit by our own negligence or disobedience.

If we turn away from the truth, if we follow false teachings, if we stop loving God and one another, we risk losing our reward.

How Do We Watch Out?

You watch out by staying close to God and his word. We need to read, study, and meditate on the Scriptures, which are able to make us wise for salvation and equip us for every good work.

We need to pray, worship, and fellowship with God, who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before his glory. We need to obey, serve, and love God, who is able to reward us according to our deeds.

Watch out by staying connected to the community of faith. We need to listen, learn, and submit to the leaders and teachers who faithfully proclaim the truth and guide us in the way of righteousness.

Support, encourage, and care for one another, especially those who are weak, struggling, or suffering. We need to share, witness, and defend the gospel, especially to those who are lost, confused, or deceived.

What Is the Result of Watching Out?

The result of watching out is that we may be rewarded fully. John said that if we watch out, we will not lose what we have worked for, but we will receive the fullness of God’s blessing.

What is the fullness of God’s blessing? It is the joy of seeing Jesus face to face, the peace of being in his presence, the glory of sharing in his inheritance, and the love of being with him forever.

The reward of eternal life is not something that we can take for granted or assume that we already have. It is something that we need to pursue, protect, and prepare for. It is something that we need to watch out for.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
17
Feb
2024
Power of Humility, Gentleness, and Patience

Power of Humility, Gentleness, and Patience

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

When we think of the word “power,” we often associate it with strength, might, and dominance. However, the Bible teaches us that true power lies in humility, gentleness, and patience.

In Ephesians 4:2, we are called to be “completely humble and gentle” and to “be patient, bearing with one another in love.” These three virtues are not only essential to our spiritual growth but also to our relationships with others.

In this devotional, we will explore the power of humility, gentleness, and patience and how they can transform our lives.

Power of Humility

Humility is often misunderstood as weakness or lack of confidence. However, true humility is the opposite of pride and arrogance. It is recognizing that we are not perfect and that we need God’s grace and mercy.

When we are humble, we are free from the burden of trying to prove ourselves to others. Instead, we can focus on serving others and putting their needs before our own.

Humility allows us to learn from our mistakes and grow in our faith. It also helps us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others.

Power of Gentleness

Gentleness is often associated with being soft or passive. However, gentleness is a powerful virtue that requires great strength and self-control. When we are gentle, we are able to control our emotions and respond to others with kindness and compassion.

Gentleness allows us to be peacemakers and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. It also helps us to build trust and deepen our relationships with others.

When we are gentle, we are able to see the good in others and to encourage them to be their best selves.

Power of Patience

Patience is often described as waiting without complaining. However, true patience is much more than that. It is the ability to endure difficult circumstances without losing hope or faith.

When we are patient, we are able to trust in God’s timing and to wait for His plans to unfold. Patience allows us to persevere through trials and to grow in our faith.

It also helps us to be more understanding and forgiving towards others. When we are patient, we are able to see the bigger picture and to trust that God is working all things together for our good.

Essentials

The power of humility, gentleness, and patience cannot be overstated. These three virtues are essential to our spiritual growth and to our relationships with others.

When we are humble, gentle, and patient, we are able to reflect the love of Christ to those around us. We are able to build deeper relationships and to make a positive impact in the world.

Strive to cultivate these virtues in our lives and to be a shining light to those around us.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
15
Feb
2024
Guarding Against Unbelief

Guarding Against Unbelief

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12

Subtle Danger

The author of Hebrews warns believers here about an insidious threat – creeping unbelief toward God resulting in heart-drift. How easily we become apathetic, cynical, or disillusioned in our walk with Christ.

Circumstances, disappointments, weariness or worldly values can slowly erode childlike trust. We begin questioning God’s goodness, minimizing sin, or casually skipping spiritual disciplines. Before we know it, an unbelieving heart has supplanted once-vibrant faith.

Scripture exhorts us to actively guard against subtle drift. Nurture a heart tender and receptive toward God. Shield it from faith-sapping lies or distractions.

Stay alert to unbelief’s danger. Protect the precious gift of childlike trust.

Exposing the Roots

To guard our hearts, we must identify unbelief’s roots. Often it springs from frustrated expectations – we didn’t get what we wanted from God.

Focus shifted from delight in God’s presence to treating Him as a means to an end. We sought His hand more than His face. Unmet desires bred resentment. True faith rests in God’s character, not just His benefits.

It cherishes intimacy with Him above all else. Even amid confusion, pain, or unanswered prayer, it still worships and adores.

Ask God to check your motivations. Are you seeking abundant life in Christ or just temporal blessings? Remain fixed on the Giver over the gifts.

Cultivating Childlike Trust

Unwavering faith requires nurturing childlike humility and wonder. We must cling to God with wide-eyed dependence, believing without demanding explanations.

Children trust easily – they ask few questions yet expect good from loving parents. Jesus said we must receive His kingdom as a child (Luke 18:17).

Approach your Father eager to obey, quick to believe. Don’t let past disappointments harden your heart into skepticism. God invites you to rediscover awe, delight, gratitude, and hope.

“Taste and see that He is good!” (Psalm 34:8) The joy of unconditional trust far exceeds the fleeting pleasures of unbelief.

Anchored in God’s Faithfulness

Lastly, guard against drift by anchoring in God’s proven faithfulness. Like the Israelites, we easily forget His past rescues, miracles, answers to prayer and provision. Our spiritual amnesia fuels faithlessness. That’s why God commanded His people to regularly recount His deeds (Deuteronomy 6).

We must rekindle amazement by remembering divine works. Review God’s track record in your life. Recall with specifics the times He answered prayer, guided, provided, intervened or redeemed.

Let these testimonies reignite childlike awe. Our faithful God is worthy of complete trust!

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
14
Feb
2024
Taming the Tongue

Taming the Tongue

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26

The Heart’s Overflow

In this sobering verse, James warns that unchecked speech exposes worthless religion.

Our tongues reveal the true state of our hearts. If our faith lacks authenticity, our mouths will betray us. They overflow with bitter criticism, gossip, lies, and impurity, exposing our spiritual bankruptcy. But the redeemed heart produces good fruit – words of grace, truth, encouragement, and worship.

Does your speech bless others and glorify God?

Or does a restless tongue reveal a wayward soul?

Pray for the Spirit to purify your heart’s wellspring. As you abide in Christ, your words will refresh many.

Danger of Verbal Toxins

Like toxic chemicals poured into a river, our unwholesome words pollute relationships and poison our witness. James says such careless language deceives us about our spiritual state.

We think ourselves godly while inflicting harm with verbal daggers. But true religion requires control of the tongue. With God’s help we can harness its potential for blessing rather than cursing.

Ask Him to check any impulse toward gossip, complaining, deception, or retaliation. Make your speech a fountain of life! Guard your mouth; season words with grace.

You will be amazed what fruit a tamed tongue can bear.

Choosing Edification

If our words regularly tear down rather than build up, something is amiss in our hearts. The Spirit produces speech meant to edify and benefit those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

God calls us to speak words of hope, truth, wisdom, gratitude, and testimony of His goodness. Through Spirit-empowered speech, we point others toward Christ.

We must tune our ears to Identify speech that dishonors God and redirect it toward praise. Pause frequently to ask, “Do my words build up or inflict harm?” Then adjust accordingly.

Blessing of Listening

Lastly, full control of the tongue requires learning the art of listening. We must temper our desire to be heard with an openness to understand others.

The book of James exhorts us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Humility listens well. Choose to limit monologues and self-focused chatter. Offer your full attention when others speak.

Seek clarification before passing judgement. Listening earns the right to be heard. It fosters understanding and demonstrates Christlike honor.

As you listen deeply today, your words will be fewer but full of wisdom.

Tongue’s Power and Potential

Our tongues hold immense power, for good or evil. With the same mouth we can worship God or wound people. James likens the tongue to a small rudder steering a great ship or a spark igniting a forest fire.

Like a restless evil, it needs constant guarding. But controlled and consecrated to God, our speech blesses multitudes. Words heal wounds, lift hearts, spread truth and joy.

Determine today that your tongue will build up Christ’s kingdom. Yield it to the Spirit’s cleansing fire and fruitful purpose.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
23
Apr
2023
Perfection!

Perfection!

As you read through Psalms 19:7, you may find yourself struck by the beauty of the language and the wisdom it conveys.

The verse speaks of the law of the Lord, which is perfect and refreshing to the soul. It also describes the statutes of the Lord as trustworthy and capable of making the simple wise.

One way to think about this passage is to consider the law of the Lord as a kind of roadmap or guide for our lives. When we follow this guide, we are refreshed and renewed in spirit.

We feel more in tune with our true selves and with the divine purpose that animates us. This is why the law of the Lord is perfect – it leads us toward the very best version of ourselves.

But the law of the Lord is not just perfect – it is also trustworthy. This means that we can rely on it to guide us through life’s many challenges and uncertainties.

When we are faced with difficult decisions or complex problems, we can turn to the statutes of the Lord for guidance and wisdom.

In this way, the law of the Lord makes the simple wise, giving us the insight we need to navigate life’s twists and turns.

Ultimately, then, Psalms 19:7 reminds us of the importance of staying grounded in our faith and in the teachings the Word of God. When we do so, we are better equipped to face life’s challenges with courage and wisdom.

We can draw on the strength of our faith to guide us through even the darkest of times, knowing that the law of the Lord is perfect and trustworthy, and that it will never lead us astray.

So as you meditate on Psalms 19:7, take comfort in the knowledge that the law of the Lord is always there to guide and support you, no matter what challenges you may face.

Let the wisdom of God’s Law refresh your soul and make you wise in all your ways.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
24
Oct
2017
The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves

I had met Jesus during the summer of 1990; what an amazing year! Through the efforts of a local church; my family was drawn to an encounter with God; an encounter that would change the course of our lives forever!

 

I was employed at the time by a local manufacturing facility. I was a project maintenance technician. My job was primarily to install new equipment, which also required fabricating the necessary support apparatus required; things like steel decking, catwalks, chutes, ladders and much more.

 

Now, prior to me becoming friends with Jesus, I was quite versed in the ways of the world. What I mean to say is that, among many other things, I had a serious cursing problem . . . I knew all the curse words and was quite proficient in that particular dialect.

 

However, when I met Jesus, everything began to change; especially my language. After about 6 months of walking with my new found Friend Jesus, I really thought I was making great progress.

 

One evening at work, a coworker who had a special knack for getting under my skin, was pushing the limits of my new found patience. He was really getting to me and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I spun around and gave him a real verbal tongue lashing, using some of the more disgusting vocabulary I had accumulated over the years.

 

Now, to be sure, this was not the first time I had delivered such a tirade to this man; but it was the first time I had done it since I’d became friends with Jesus! My coworker was equally versed in this crude American dialect, and as always, gave it right back to me. After he uttered his comeback, he stormed away in a huff!

 

I stood there feeling awful and quite disgusted with myself for having stooped so low. Since it was the night shift, I headed out back of the building and went outside.

 

I got on my knees, and looking to the dark sky, I cried out to the Lord; “Oh Lord, I can’t believe I said that to him.” In the quiet darkness, I thought I heard the Lord say back to me; “I do!”

 

I apologized to the Lord for the unkind and ugly words I had spoken to my coworker; and I asked God to forgive me. The Lord, as always in His kind voice, assured me that I was forgiven. I felt relieved, and as I stood up to go back inside, the Lord said to me; “Now I want you to go in there and apologize him.”

 

WHAT!

 

“Wait a minute Lord; you don’t know him like I know him. If tell him I’m sorry, I’ll never hear the end of it! He will only get even angrier with me.” I could tell that the Lord was serious about this and that He was not going let me get out of it.

 

So . . . I went and tracked down this guy whom I had excoriated a half hour ago. I pulled him aside and told him how very sorry I was that I had said such unkind words to him.

 

He looked intently at me; then he proceeded to tell what a blankety blank blank jerk I was and then he told me to go and blankety, blank . . . you get the idea!

 

He did just what I knew he would do . . . and I had it coming. The thing is; after God pressed me to do the right thing with that guy; the whole cursing thing was over and done with! I don’t think I have ever used a curse word since and it has been nearly 30 years!

 

God will discipline those He loves . . .

 

When was the last time God showed you some love?

Posted by onthesolidrock in Discipline, 0 comments