Find the Way In

Have you ever wanted to go into some place, but could not find a way to enter. You try every door and they are all locked. Finally, you see someone that appears to know the way inside. That person possesses the key and knows where to unlock a door. But you don’t have an invite or authorization to enter, so this person cannot help you. All you want is a chance to see the interior, but you are denied.

Job 37:22-23 says, “Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty. The Almighty – we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.” God’s majesty is often described in the scriptures as light so bright and powerful that we cannot look directly upon Him. But thanks to the cleansing blood of Jesus and His interceding for us, the believer can confidently approach God with our prayers and worship. Jesus leads us into the presence of the Almighty. Faith in Jesus is the authorization that we need to enter into God’s throneroom.

Basic Knowledge

All my life, I have struggled with basic auto and home repairs. I was never taught the basics of how things work and how to fix problems. In our house, my wife does the handyman work, because her father taught how to do many repairs. If she doesn’t know how to fix it, we have to call in a repairman, because I am of no help. We all have holes in our knowledge about many subjects. This prohibits us from enjoying the full benefits of that knowledge.

II Samuel 7:28 says, “And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.” These words of King David’s prayer sum up what faith in God truly means. First, we believe that the Lord is God, creator and ruler of heaven and earth. Secondly, we believe that His words are always true and His promises are secure. And thirdly, we believe that God is always good to His children.

A Slippery Slope

When I went out to walk this morning, ice was everywhere. Every step was treacherous. One false move and I would have fallen. When someone hurts us, we can take the slippery, and often disastrous, move to take revenge upon them. It is likely that the conflict will increase and that we will not be satisfied with our actions.

Deuteronomy 32:35 says, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.” When someone harms us, we are often tempted to taken revenge upon them in some way. However, those who trust in God should know that God notices the one who caused us pain and He feels our hurt even more than we do. He will be far more thorough in His justice against those who have hurt us.

Searching For Something?

We spend a lot of time searching for something better. We want better jobs, more money, better relationship, nicer homes, and ultimately more happiness. These searches often lead us down a frustrating and unsatisfying path. That is because we are looking for the wrong things in the wrong places. God has a storehouse of grace and blessing ready for us. We need to look to Him for joy and trust His grace to provide the things that we really want and need.

Genesis 12:2-3 says, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” It is beyond any doubt that God richly blesses those who trust in Him. What we sometimes forget is that we receive these blessings in part to be able to bless others. Making sure that we are always ready to pass on the blessings that we receive from God, makes us ready to receive even more blessings from Him.

Highest Court

I have served on a jury a few times. As a juror, you try to effectively and truly evaluate the evidence. You hear the testimonies of witnesses, see and hear forensic evidence, and hear the assertions of lawyers. Then, you gather with your peers to reach a judgment. The judgments rendered by juries and judges are often life changing. But even the highest courts in the land do not compare to the eternal judgment of God upon a life.

I Timothy 3:16 says, “He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” This is Jesus Christ, in whom we believe and through whom we are redeemed. These are the witnesses and evidence regarding His divine nature and redeeming work. Know Him and walk with Him in victory. Our choice regarding belief and trust in Jesus will be judged by His Heavenly Father, and His judgments have eternal consequences for each of us.