No Rock Like Our God

The Bible tells us repeatedly that God is our rock. What does that mean for us and for our lives?

For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. (Deut 32:31)

No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. (1 Sam 2:2)

For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? (Ps 18:31)

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. (Ps 118:22) – Jesus is the “stone” which the builders rejected. A cornerstone is another word for foundation or basis.

“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ ¹²Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Ac 4:11-12) – Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Not only is Jesus our Rock, but His gospel is, too. And we, His followers, are chosen by God, and we are precious to Him. We are a spiritual house built upon faith in Jesus Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer. (Ps 78:35) There is no Rock like ours who is faithful, loving, and eternal.

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” (1 Pet 2:4-6)

We are God’s holy priesthood called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. Spiritual sacrifices would include:

Obedience to God and His Word;
Cooperating with His re-shaping our values and lives;
Loving our neighbors;
Acts of kindness and service to others;
Praising and worshipping God; and
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17)

Remember that Jesus is our Foundation for all of life and faith.

The Word says that all who trust in Jesus will never be put to shame. Praise God!

God Crushes the Enemy

God crushes the enemy—He defeats him completely and utterly. This truth should reassure us and embolden our faith.

Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies. (Ps 60:12) God is the One who defeats our enemies.

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. (Ps 108:13) God walks all over our enemies. Some of our enemies are: fear, sickness, lack, pain, and danger.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? ⁷The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. ⁸It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. (Ps 118:6-8) It is always best for us to put all of our faith and hope in the Lord above all others.

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Rom 16:20)

Where does Romans 16 say that Satan will be crushed? Under OUR feet—under the feet of those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Bible has some further insights for us:

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Lk 10:19) The Lord has given us power to fulfill His will on earth even as it is in heaven. (Mt 6:10)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Rom 8:37) Christ has given us the victory in all things, but we must be strong in faith, nothing wavering. (1 Cor 15:57; Heb 10:23)

Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Mt 18:18) God has given us, His people, power to hold back and restrict (bind) things on earth as well as the power to free up and cause things to pour forth upon the earth!

Jesus has given His church power so that we can fulfill His will and His plan. Read and meditate upon God’s Word daily in order to strengthen your faith, and to gain boldness in the Lord. God is using His church (His people) as His instrument to trounce the enemy!

We Beheld His Glory

What does the word glory mean? It means: splendor; wonder; brilliance; or exaltation.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (Joh 1:14) This verse is describing Jesus and His glory. It says that “we beheld His glory” which means that we can see it and recognize it.

This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. (Joh 2:11) Any time that Jesus performed signs, wonders, and miracles, He manifested His glory clearly for all to see.

When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (Joh 11:4) The only way that a sickness can be for the glory of God is when the sick person receives their complete healing by faith in Jesus Christ and they give all the glory, honor and praise to the Father God.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6) The “light” that was given to man was Jesus Christ, the light of the world. (Joh 8:12) As we look into His face and accept Him as our Savior, He shares with us His own glory and relationship with the Father.

In Matthew 5:14 we are told that WE are the light of the world because we are the followers and disciples of Jesus, and we carry Him in us and with us wherever we go.

As we obediently follow Jesus, the Light of the World, we share His light and His life with others. In His name, we pray for people to be saved, delivered, and healed. We are also privileged to see miracles and wonders done in the mighty name of Jesus.

We cannot hide our light, but rather we must allow it to shine brightly in the darkness for we are merely reflecting the glory of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, to the world.

A Double Blessing

Our God is a God of comfort and restoration, a God who rewards His people with abundant blessings.

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. (Zech 9:12) This is speaking to people who are captives, yet because of their faith in the Lord, they have hope. God is their stronghold, their fortress, and their shield—who provides for their needs. (Nah 1:7; Ps 18:2)

“Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isa 40:2) This verse says that their warfare is ended because God fights on behalf of His people. (Deut 3:22; Josh 23:10) He is the same today—He still fights for His people—for you and for me. Hallelujah!

Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs. (Isa 61:7) Our God promises that instead of shame, all who place their faith in Him shall have double honor. He also states that instead of feeling confusion, we shall rejoice over our measure of blessings from God; and in our land, we shall possess double. Double what? Double blessings and benefits from the God who is love. What a promise! What a gift from God’s loving hand!

In a spiritual sense, all unsaved people are enslaved by sin and satan. Many are not aware that they are imprisoned, yet others yearn for a way out of their state of affairs. All that they need to do is to cry out to the Lord, and He will respond by saving them.

That is true for saint and sinner: God responds to each one of us when we cry out to Him for help, deliverance, or wisdom. God is the deliverer who sets people free, and pours out His blessings upon all who trust in Him. May God bless you.

How Can I Receive a Miracle?

Considering the last blog article, I thought it would be timely to look at Bible verses that help us to understand how to receive a miracle when we need it or whenever someone we care about might need one. Let’s clarify our terms, first. Let’s look at the difference between a blessing and a miracle.

A blessing is unmerited favor or approval; a special favor, mercy or benefit. (Example: The blessing of living in a land of liberty. -or- The blessing of having food and shelter.)

A miracle is a supernatural phenomenon from God in an emergency or time of need; an extraordinary, welcome event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to God.

From time to time, most of us need a miracle at some point in our lives. The God whom we serve is predictable and orderly; He is forever faithful.

God doesn’t change. God always want to help us; always wants to bless us and to deliver us from evil. You can find these truths right in God’s Word. (Ps 54:4; Isa 41:10; Heb 13:8)

First, know what the Bible says to you. Meditate upon these truths from Scripture:

And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. (Deu 28:13) – God surrounds us with His favor at all times. He gives us the grace and ability to rule in this life.
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness . . . (Rom 4:5) – Our faith in Jesus Christ is our righteousness in God’s sight.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19) – God’s promises to meet ALL of our needs through Jesus Christ and our faith in Him.
And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (Ps 35:27b) – God is pleased with our success and our prosperity.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 Joh 2) – The Lord’s desire is for us to prosper and to be healthy always.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mt 19:26, see also Mk 10:27; Lk 18:27) – All things are possible to us through our faith in Jesus Christ.
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (Joh 14:13) – Jesus says that He will do WHATEVER we pray for in order to bring glory to our Father God through the Son, Jesus.
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) – When we ask God for something, we place our faith in God and in His Word.

The eight Bible verses shown above are only a sample of the good and precious promises that God has given to every believer. God’s Word is His will. When we ask for something in agreement with His will, we know that God WILL give us whatever we need. (1 Joh 5:14-15)

Know what God’s Word says and understand that it is His will for you.
Sow God’s Word into your heart by reading, memorizing, and meditating upon it daily.
Put your faith in the Word, and ask God for what you need, based upon His Word.
Understand that God’s answer to you is “Yes” and receive your miracle by faith right then. Have confidence that God’s Word will prevail in your life.
Praise and thank God for hearing and answering your prayers, and expect to reap the harvest of your miracle thanks to the seed of the Word of God that you have planted in your heart.
Do not abandon your faith or your testimony. Hold fast; do not waiver in your faith in God.

Following these guidelines should reap untold benefits and wonders. Give God all of the glory, honor, and praise, in Jesus’ holy name.

Signs & Wonders Win the Lost

Did you know that when unsaved people see and experience signs, wonders, and miracles performed in the name of Jesus, that it wins many hearts to Jesus Christ?

Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. (Joh 11:45)

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. (Joh 2:23)

And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” (Joh 7:31)

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— (Act 2:22)

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Heb 2:4)

As we read these passages of Scripture shown above, we can easily see that human beings consider signs, wonders, and miracles to be a confirmation and a witness from God that Jesus is, indeed, the Son of God and the Savior of mankind.

How can we, who are alive in 2020, turn up our noses at signs and wonders, and decide that the “age of miracles” has passed? It is unthinkable and hard to fathom that anyone would believe such a thing.

There are signs, wonders, and miracles happening all over the world right now—in our present time. I have personally experienced miracles throughout my life, and many people that I know can also testify the same thing. Once you have experienced and seen a miracle for yourself, you will never again doubt that Jesus is still performing signs and wonders.

The Bible says: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb 13:8) This means that whatever Jesus did in the past, He will continue to do forever. Whatever qualities and personality traits that Jesus demonstrated in Bible times are still active and operational today. It also means that His personality and His mission have not and will never change. Hallelujah!

Who are we to disagree with the God of all creation?

Know Jesus & You’ll Know the Father

The Scriptures below remind us that when we know Jesus, then we also know our heavenly Father.

But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. (Joh 15:21)

Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” (Joh 8:19)

And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. (Joh 16:3)

It’s our honor and our privilege to come to fully know Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We do that by reading, studying, and meditating upon the Word of God. In the Bible, we see verse upon verse explaining to us the nature and personality of the Lord. The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ is entry into eternal life.

But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. (Jer 9:24)

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (Joh 17:3)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 Joh 4:7-8)

According to 1 John, God is love. And everyone who loves is born of God and KNOWS GOD!

Do you want to know God? Then learn of His perfect love for YOU; study and meditate upon His love for you. Search out and meditate upon the Bible verses that discuss the love of God, and how His love has been manifested. Once you have received and fully understood His perfect love for you, turn around and shower that love upon everyone in your life, beginning with yourself. As Matthew 19:19 reminds us, we can only love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Learn about God through His magnificent, matchless love.

Priest & Sacrifice

The verses below all discuss or outline the fact that Jesus is our High Priest, and He is also the perfect Lamb of God. He gave up His own life as a perfect, unblemished sacrifice to God. With His sacrifice, Jesus purchased reconciliation to God for each one of us: our salvation.

In the Old Testament, the High Priest used the blood of bulls and lambs to pour upon the mercy seat as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. God had instructed His people to build Him a sanctuary within which was the “Ark of the Testimony” which held the “mercy seat.”

. . . who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (Heb 7:27)

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (Heb 9:12)

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. (Rom 6:10)

In Hebrews 12:24, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the blood of Jesus “speaks better things than the blood of Abel.” God was the Avenger of “righteous Abel,” but Jesus Christ, the righteous, is our Advocate with the Father, and He is the appeasement for our sins. (1 Joh 2:1-2)

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, is unique in all of time and eternity. He has done what no one else could do. He completed His mission on earth perfectly. He is the perfect Priest and the perfect atoning Sacrifice: the Lamb of God. (See Heb 3:1; 4:14; 6:20; Joh 1:29, 36; Rev 7:17) All glory to His name.

decidingvoteblog

You are the Deciding Vote! In your life, you can make decisions that will help you and bless you.

Month: September 2020