Trusting God

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.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, 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.

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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
07
Apr
2024
True Riches: God’s Grace and Inheritance

True Riches: God’s Grace and Inheritance

James 2:5 “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

This verse challenges our definition of wealth.

God’s Perspective on Wealth

The world measures wealth by possessions, status, and power. It focuses on acquiring more and surpassing expectations.

The Bible, however, offers a different perspective. True riches come from what we receive from God, not what we have ourselves.

It’s about God’s grace and our future inheritance.

Poverty and Heavenly Riches

James calls his readers “brothers and sisters,” acknowledging their shared faith and God’s choice. He highlights their richness in faith – a gift from God – and their inheritance of the kingdom – a promise from God. However, he acknowledges their earthly poverty and struggles.

This seeming paradox – present poverty and future riches – is resolved by understanding their source of wealth.

It’s not earthly possessions but God’s grace.

Power of God’s Grace

Grace is God’s undeserved favor, love, and limitless resources.

It’s the power that saves, transforms, and empowers us. It makes us rich in God’s eyes even when we lack in the world’s.

Grace enables us to trust, obey, and love God, even in challenging times.

It empowers us to overcome sin, resist evil, endure suffering, serve others, share the gospel, and live for God’s glory.

Promise of the Kingdom

The kingdom of God signifies His reign and rule. It’s not a physical place but a spiritual reality, already present.

It’s the ultimate goal and the greatest expression of God’s glory.

This kingdom is the inheritance of those who love God, a reward for obedience and a treasure for those who seek Him.

Focus on seeking the kingdom of God, for it represents the true riches found in His grace.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
02
Apr
2024
From Stealing to Sharing

From Stealing to Sharing

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)

This verse is part of Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians on how to live as new creations in Christ. It is a practical and ethical application of the Gospel, which transforms us from being selfish and sinful to being generous and righteous.

It reflects the heart of God, who gives us everything we have and expects us to use it for his glory and for the good of others.

In this devotional, we will explore four implications of this verse: the problem of stealing, the purpose of working, the power of sharing, and the promise of blessing.

Problem of Stealing

The first thing that Paul addresses in this verse is the problem of stealing. Stealing is taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission or consent. It is a violation of God’s commandment and an offense against our neighbor.

It is a manifestation of our fallen nature, which is greedy, covetous, and rebellious. It is a sign of our lack of trust in God, who provides for our needs and desires. It is a symptom of our discontentment with what we have and our dissatisfaction with who we are.

We may think that stealing is not a big deal or that it does not apply to us; rationalizing that we are only taking what we deserve or what we need. We may even justify that we are only borrowing or using what is not ours.

But the truth is that stealing is a serious sin and a harmful habit. It dishonors God, who owns everything and gives us everything.

It damages our relationship with others, who are made in God’s image and deserve our respect. It destroys our character, which is shaped by our choices and actions.

Purpose of Working

The second thing that Paul teaches in this verse is the purpose of working. Working is doing something useful with our own hands, using the abilities and opportunities that God has given us.

It is a way of expressing our gratitude and stewardship to God, who created us and gifted us; a way of fulfilling our role and responsibility in God’s kingdom, which is advancing and growing.

We may view work as a curse or a burden, or complain that it’s difficult or tedious. It’s possible to resent the fact that work is necessary or obligatory, and we might even avoid it because it’s challenging or demanding.

However, the truth is that work is a blessing and a privilege. It honors God, who himself works and rests.

Work benefits us by providing for our needs and allowing us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It also helps others who depend on us and appreciate our contributions. Ultimately, work reflects our dignity, which is both derived from and affirmed by our labor.

Power of Sharing

The third thing Paul emphasizes in this verse is the power of sharing. Sharing is giving something that we have to someone who needs it.

It is a demonstration of our love and generosity to God, who loves us and gave his Son for us.

Sharing what we have is a gain and a joy. It pleases God, who sees and rewards. It enriches us, who give and receive.

Promise of Blessing

The fourth thing that Paul reveals in this verse is the promise of blessing. Blessing is the favor and grace of God that he bestows on us and through us.

It is the result and reward of living according to God’s will and way. It is the evidence and testimony of God’s presence and power in our lives, and the hope and assurance of God’s future and plan for us.

Conclusion

God wants us to live as His children, who are transformed by His grace and empowered by His Spirit.

He wants us to stop stealing and start working, so that we may have something to share with those in need. He wants us to experience His blessing and be a blessing to others.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration