Resisting the Winds

My wife and I have done some disaster relief. We have seen the damage that strong winds and raging waters can do. Homes can be laid flat to the ground. Trees can be snapped in half or uprooted, damaging nearby structures. Families face rebuilding their lives.

False teaching can have devastating consequences, as well. If we don’t stand firm against worldly thoughts, our world and families can be uprooted and destroyed.

Ephesians 4:13-14 says, “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Pursue God’s truth in His Word in order to stand firm against false teaching and the winds of worldly thoughts.

Wildflowers

In our area, the wildflowers have begun to bloom. It is an interesting process where wildflowers die every winter and bloom every spring. I am also amazed at the variety of colors that they present at different times.

We went to a funeral today and celebrated the life of someone dear to us. As others, we feel the grief of his passing. But we find consolation, and even joy, in knowing that one day we will see him again. Only the next time that we see him, all of us will be in resurrected bodies in the new heaven and new earth. This is true because all of us have believed and trusted in Jesus as Savior and Lord. He made the following promise to us:

John 11:25-26 says, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” The central truth of our faith is that Jesus Christ was resurrected after His death on the cross and is alive today, thus conquering death forever. Everyone who believes in Him receives eternal life. As Jesus said, “Do you believe?”

Mediation

Mediation is used in a variety of environments to bring two sides together. Sometimes, the two sides are opposed to each other and cannot come to an agreement. The mediator steps in an attempt to bring the two sides together.

Speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 9:15 says, “That is why he is the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, so that all wo are invited can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.” Our sins have separated us from holy God. Jesus Christ stands before our holy Heavenly Father as mediator and affirms our justification based upon His own sacrifice and blood. Therefore, the judgment is rendered that we are forgiven and receive the inheritance of eternal life.

Who Said That?

Watching or reading the news can be confusing and frustrating at times. It is difficult to determine the reliability of the information given to us. Some sources are not knowledgeable and can be extremely biased. Other times the information is distorted by the conveyor of the news. Where can we find truth that will help us live?

Matthew 16:16-17 says, “Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'” Life giving truth is never derived from the thoughts of people, but rather is revealed by God. This truth always confirms that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.

“It Is Finished”

I am the type of person that loves to finish projects. I don’t like the clutter that unfinished projects cause. So I do much better on work that can be declared, “done”, in a very short time. I don’t do as well with projects that required continued follow-up, revisions, and upkeeep.

John 19:30 says, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus had finished His work of bringing the kingdom of God to earth, necessary for the works of saving and redeeming people. So He said, “It is finished.” This sentence is significant at two other significant events in history. In the beginning, God finished His work of creation of all things and on the seventh day, it is said His work is finished (Genesis 2:2). Revelation 15 tells us of a future end times day when the wrath of God toward sin will be finished and a new earth and heaven will be established. We thank and praise God for the first two works that are finished, while looking forward with the assurance of faith toward the finishing of God’s third work.