I Shall Not Be Moved

Psalm 16:8  I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Determination and stability in rooted in a strong faith that God is true and faithful. He will give the strength to stand firm in the face of trouble or persecution. Determination in our own strength and ability will fall short of the goal. Yes, we must be willing to do our part by believing and trusting God. But it is God who will go before us. Determine to stand and not be moved from what is right, not to be moved from the truth of God’s word. Moved away from serving God and living for Him. We live in a day where the fiber of our faith is being attacked and the standard of holy living is being questioned as too old fashion and irrelevant. Cultures may change, but God does not. In the spirit of love and service to our God, we must not be moved from what is right and holy. 

Discover Our Identity

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

It was ironic that the message I listen to yesterday would be the topic in Daily Bread this morning. Discovering our identity, who we are and who are we meant to be. People spend a life time searching out their purpose in life, and to find meaning in life.  Why did God create us, for what purpose did He have in mind when in the womb of our mothers, He was thinking of us? Born into this world as sinners, the plan of God is to reveal the holiness within each one of us through Christ. We were form from the dust of the ground, and unworthy earthen vessels. But God, who loved us, desires to reveal to us His created purpose within each one of us. To discovery who we are in Christ, will bring peace, meaning, and freedom to be what God wants us to be.

Transformation in Christ

Acts 9:18  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Transformation is not always instantaneously, Like Paul there are many who do a 180 degree turn from a life that destroyed to a life that heals. It is certain that God can clean up a sinner, breaks the habits of sin and make a new creature in Christ. Transformation of the heart is always done instantaneously, but life style and knowing how to live for Christ is most often done over time. God changes our heart, but learning to walk with God is a journey that we all take. Habits are sometimes broken like chains that bind, but not always. God is always working on us, molding us, and shaping us into His image. God has opened our eyes to see clearly the mysteries of His word. Our eyes have been open to a spiritual world once bond in darkness. We have been transformed by the renewing of our minds, and now walk in the light to live and do His will. 

He Must Increase

John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease. 

John was truly a man of humility. Human nature would have him focus on himself and seek to be someone great. He knew His calling and was willing to accept his place in the Kingdom of God. We all have a place in God’s Kingdom, and it is to His purpose we live or die. John died a young man, dared to speak the truth and point others to the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. God has a plan for each one of us. How long we live is in the hands of God. We don’t always understand His purpose, and why life is sometimes cut short. We live and die to do God’s purpose. Finding God’s will for our life is what will bring meaning to life. The life God has given us is a vapor in time, it will come to pass, and only that done for Christ will last. We must live each day in mind that He must increase, and we must decrease. 

Restoration

Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Restoration is required when things start to deteriorate. Things left unattended or neglected will fall apart. Failure to do what needs to be done can cause relationships to breakdown. The people of Israel forsook God’s ways and their disobedience led to captivity and their land was laid to waste. God is in the business of restoring. Sin is a hard taskmaster and will take people down a path of destruction, but God is a loving and merciful God and wants to restore the broken lives of those who have gone astray. His promise are ever true. If His people who once loved Him will turn from their sinful ways, He will turn again to them and restore them back to their rightful place. As the prodigal son was welcomed back with open arms, God’s love reaches down to all who will return back to him. It matters not what you have done, He desires to restore you so that you may have fellowship with Him once again.