Required Improvements

Every new thing created by men will need improvements. New technology can always be made better. Science is always finding new ways to benefit humans, but the first try is generally not the best product. We are always finding ways to make relationships better and even to eat healthier and live longer.

Hebrews 8:6 says, “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” Under the old covenant, people were required to make frequent sacrifices for sins. But under the new covenant, Christ made the perfect and complete sacrifice for all sins. Under the old covenant, people were fearful that their works were not sufficient to please God. Under the new covenant of Christ, we can know that we have been saved by faith through grace. The new covenant of Jesus Christ is perfect and complete, never to be changed or improved upon.

Life Giving Words

Some people are gifted with the ability to offer meaningful encouragement when appropriate. Their words are refreshment for the discouraged or despairing soul. We need more of these people in our world and we should aspire to be speakers of encouragement. But even these words have limited impact for our lives.

John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Our human nature is incapable of producing genuine spiritual life, only inadequate replicas. We must turn to God’s Word for life that is abundant and eternal. We can rely upon God’s Spirit to teach us these words of spirit and life.

Account For Needs

Suppose someone generously set up a bank account for your needs. Everytime you had a need you could go to the bank and withdraw the necessary funds. However, if you just wanted some luxury item, your attempt to withdraw funds would be denied. This account would cover all types of needs; house and car repairs, food, utilities, health care costs, and anything else necessary for life.

Romans 8:31-32 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Think about this truth that God is for us, as evidenced that He did not withhold the sacrifice of His own son so that we might receive salvation. If He thus gave us His best, will He withhold anything else that we need? He will provide for all our needs; physical, spiritual, mental and emotional, and relational.

What the Heart Remembers

The things that our hearts remember affect our lives today. Emotions flood our souls when we remember significant events, victories, defeats, joyous occasions, sad circumstances, and life’s turning points. As the emotions rise, we feel different than just a moment before the memory strikes us, and then we act differently than we might have before.

Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” One way to protect our souls is to make sure that we remember all the good things that God has done for us and the truths He has taught us.

Standing Can Be An Action

We often think of the verb “to stand” as a passive verb, meaning action is not taking place. But many times, standing can be an action. For instance, if we face opposition, standing is the action of holding our ground and defending our cause. Standing is also an action when we are guarding what is true and dear to us. As a action verb, to stand means to firmly fix and adhere firmly to something.

I Thessalonians 3:8 says, “For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” The fulness of life is received only by standing fast in the Lord. We can do that by having our faith rooted deeply in Jesus, and by having our faith constantly adhered firmly to Him.

It’s Raining

As I was walking this morning, it began to rain. My first thought was about where I could find covering to protect me if the rain got heavier. We seek protective coverage in many ways and at various times in our lives. We may try to build a financial nest egg to cover emergency needs. We seek out like-minded people for encouragement and support. Both of these coverings, as well as others, provide immediate protection, but also long-term benefits.

Psalm 5:12 says, “For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” God covers His people, not just for protection from evil, but also He covers us with grace filled blessings. We receive eternal salvation, hope forever, and steadfast love, among many other blessings.