Hidden with Christ in God

How are we “hidden with Christ in God”? Let’s explore this thought.

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Col 3:3-4 NKJV)

As believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2) We are set free from the power of sin. (Rom 6:7) Since we are ‘dead’ to sin—or spiritually separated from it through salvation in Jesus—our lives are encompassed or contained in Jesus Christ.

All of this simply means that we are in union with Jesus, our Savior. We are one with Him.

On that day [when that time comes] you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. (Joh 14:20 AMP)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 ESV)

As you can see from the two verses shown above, it is clear that we are forever in union with Jesus, and securely enfolded by our loving heavenly Father.

After a little while, the world no longer is going to see Me, but you are going to see Me; because I live, you also will live. (Joh 14:19 NASB)

Being in union with Christ means that the past, present, and future aspects of our life are now and forever tied up and remain in union with Christ, and it began at the Cross when we died with Him. The condition of our lives may appear to contradict this truth, when difficulties rain down upon us, but no matter what life throws at us our union with Christ is 100% secure.

(Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/colossians-3-3)

All of this reassures us to realize that we are safe and secure in Jesus. He is our rock, our fortress, deliverer, strength, shield and our stronghold. (Ps 18:2) May God bless your day!

What Does God Do for His Glory?

God created the world for His glory. – The heavens tell of the glory of God;
and their expanse declares the work of His hands. (Ps 19:1 NASB)
God helps not only ALL people, but He helps, delivers, and forgives believers, for His own glory. – Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. (Ps 79:9 NIV)
God will not share His glory with idols, so we must be diligent in ascribing glory to God alone for all of His blessings upon us. – ‘I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.’ (Isa 42:8 NIV)
God will not allow Himself to be insulted, and He will not relinquish His glory to others. – For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another. (Isa 48:11 NIV)
Because we are called by the name of the Lord and we are His children, the listens, forgives, and acts on our behalf. It is all for the glory of His name. – ‘Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, take note and take action! For your own sake, don’t delay, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.’ (Dan 9:19 ISV)

We belong to our Creator, and it is our created function to bring Him glory and honor. We are the children of God, called by His name and created for God’s own glory—as the Scriptures teach us:

Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth, even everyone who is called by My name, for I have created him for My glory; I have formed him, and I have made him. (Isa 43:6-7 MEV)

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. (Ps 63:2 CSB)

We are called to worship and glorify the Lord. Let us praise and worship the Lord in the sanctuary as we recognize His strength and His glory. Praise the Lord!

Leave a Little Sparkle Wherever You Go

All believers have the life of the Spirit of God within them. We carry His glory in our ‘earthen vessels.’ (2 Cor 4:6-7)

The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. (Zec 9:16 NIV, emphasis added)

The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isa 60:3 NKJV, emphasis added)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt 5:16 NIV)

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. (2 Cor 2:14 ESV)

We who follow the Lord Jesus, as obedient and loyal human sheep, have been privileged and blessed to carry the kingdom of God with us. It is our calling and our honor to shine the light of God’s love, mercy and wisdom into every situation and exchange in which we take part.

When unsaved, hurting and needy people interact with us, they should walk away with the sense that they have encountered someone who is out of the ordinary, good, and encouraging. This is because we are called to perform good works and good deeds. We are called to SHINE a light into dark places, into dark troubles, and into evil practices.

We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 2:14 that Christ leads us in triumph and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of HIM everywhere! A fragrance is defined as: a pleasant, sweet smell; a sweet or delicate aroma; and a pleasing odor. It is true that the experiential knowledge of Jesus and a deep relationship with him is evidenced by a positive atmosphere, and even an attractive fragrance such as a perfume. All of these Scriptures encourage us to be a force for good as representatives of the Kingdom here on earth. Go ahead and leave a little sparkle (of the love and goodness of Jesus) wherever you go!

What Makes the Enemy Run?

What makes enemies run away? The presence of the Living God!

What about God’s presence in us and with us causes our enemies to “perish at His presence”?

When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence. (Ps 9:3 NKJV)

This verse tells us that the enemies begin to run away (‘turn back’) and then they fall and then they perish (or die). God’s power, perfection, and glory have this devastating effect on those who work in defiance of God and of His will.

You will make them turn their backs when you aim your arrows at them. (Ps 21:12 NCV)

They run from God in fear and terror because the enemies of our souls are aware that God is always victorious, and His arrows never miss their targets.

You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. (Ps 18:40 NIV)

The explanation for this verse is that the enemy (satan) sets ambushes for people and aims arrows of lack, sickness, strife and fear at God’s people. God’s arrows are the power of His spoken Word, His living Word, and His written Word. With the power and authority of Jesus Christ and His finished work of salvation, the Lord overcomes and overpowers the enemy easily as we trust in Him, and speak His Word in faith and power into our circumstances.

Rejoice in the goodness and the mighty power of our God!

Working Hard Has Benefits

We can’t bring any glory to the Lord or to the Kingdom of God by being lazy. There is no honor in laziness, nor is there any glory in being idle. I want to make it clear that I’m NOT talking about people who yearn to work, who have searched rigorously and urgently for employment, but haven’t been able to obtain it. That’s not the same thing.

What these Scriptures are addressing are people who prefer to be idle, and those who choose to engage in gossip and spreading rumors rather than performing true, diligent labor.

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Pro 14:23 NIV) This verse teaches us that working hard brings us the benefit of being paid for our labor. Those who only talk about working, but who actually do nothing, earn no wages and can buy no groceries.

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. ¹¹For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. (2 Thes 3:10-11 NKJV) This excerpt from 2 Thessalonians demonstrates the truth that people who won’t work will have nothing to eat. In addition, when people don’t work they have lots of time on their hands which the enemy can turn into opportunities to sin against God. While all sin is displeasing to God, the sin of gossip displeases the Lord greatly. It is the reason that the Scriptures describe such persons as busybodies.

And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Tim 5:13 NKJV) Here again, the Bible warns us about idle hands and minds being turned toward evil, unrighteous pastimes.

As we see from Proverbs 14:23 (above), the Holy Spirit says that ALL hard work brings financial gain and advantages to the ones who work diligently. The Bible encourages believers to work hard, to be responsible and kind, and to live honorably within our communities so that we are an asset to them. God will reward us with His blessings as we live obediently to His word. Praise His Name!

Purify Yourself as Unto the Lord

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. ³And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 Joh 3:2-3 NKJV)

Just as the Lord is holy, He desires His children to live morally clean, wholesome lives guided by obedience to the Word of God.

When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Col 3:4)

If we live a life of Christian purity and devotion now, ‘when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we shall also appear with him in glory.’ This is a promise from God that shall absolutely be fulfilled.

That’s why it’s crucial that we keep our relationship with the Lord Jesus in good shape and current by reviewing ourselves daily. If we slip and commit sin, turn to the Lord in repentance, knowing that He forgives and provides repentance and the grace that we need to renew our commitment to holiness.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom 8:18)

Living obediently for the Lord has its certain rewards. One day, we won’t even remember the pain and suffering that is a consequence of living on this sin-filled planet! All of the pains that we receive from human frailties, betrayal, abuse or wickedness will be as nothing when compared with the glories that will be revealed in the future to all who believe in Christ. Such glory is incomprehensible to us now but God promises that we will surely experience it. Glory to God!

God Draws People to You

Do you realize that God surrounds His people with His supernatural and miraculous favor? God’s favor upon believers turns us into people magnets! What do I mean? Let’s look at what the Bible has to say.

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isa 60:1-3)

In the verse above, notice that the passage states: “. . . the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light . . . “

The Word Gentiles in Biblical times referred to people who were NOT God’s chosen people. So, in our era, the word basically refers to unbelievers–those who haven’t heard the good news of the Gospel of salvation. The reference to God’s glory arising over us and people coming to our light is a poetic way of describing the fact that people will approve, esteem, prefer, and promote those who are recipients of God’s favor. God’s favor upon us causes other people to be attracted to us so that we may have an impact for good on behalf of the Kingdom of God in this world.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt 5:16)

When unbelievers and believers observe the good works done by those who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, it will cause them to honor and to glorify God in response.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Eph 5:8)

To walk as children of light implies living upright, holy and exemplary lives that conform to biblical guidelines and standards.

. . . that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . . (Phil 2:15)

When we live and walk as children of light we expose darkness wherever we find it; we search for meaningful fruit in our own lives; we participate in our local church or fellowship; and we read and meditate upon the Scriptures (the Bible) regularly. Glory to God!

My Shield and My Glory

The Scriptures tell us about the depth and blessings of our relationship with our Savior and Redeemer. God tells us that He is our shield (armor, defense, protection) as well as our glory. Any praise, appreciation, exaltation, or credit that we receive in life is thanks to His life and presence within us.

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. (Ps 3:3 NIV)

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. (Ps 119:114)

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Gen 15:1 ESV)

In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (Ps 62:7)

According to these passages from the Bible, God is present in us and with us in these capacities:

He is the One who enables us to lift up our heads without fear or shame,
As our Hiding Place,
As our Reward,
As Savior,
As our Strength, and
As our Refuge.

Glory to God! We have reason to rejoice and to praise and thank our God continuously.

Jesus, Beloved of the Father

Jesus is the cherished and treasured Son of the Heavenly Father.

He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (2 Pet 1:17 NIV) The Father declared His great love and approval of Jesus.

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mk 9:7 NIV) Not only does God, the Father, say again that He loves Jesus, but He tells us to listen to Jesus. The Lord wants us to not only listen to Jesus, but to OBEY Him.

The Father loves the Son and gives everything into his hands. (Joh 3:35 CEB) Again we see a declaration of the Father’s love for Jesus, as well as the truth that the Father has given Jesus authority over ALL THINGS. (See Mt 11:27; 28:18; 1 Pet 3:22)

Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. (Isa 42:1) In this passage of the Bible, we hear the Lord describing His Son, and reminding us that the Father defends and endorses His Son.

All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (Lk 10:22) This Scripture verse highlights the close relationship between God, the Father, and Jesus. It also establishes the truth that Jesus will reveal the Father to those who trust in Him as Savior.

In Christ, all believers have been made complete. (Col 2:10) He has redeemed us from sin, death, and eternal damnation. Jesus is approved of and dearly loved by our heavenly Father. Jesus is God’s Elect One.

How many more reasons do we need for us to love and honor Jesus with everything we are and everything we have? Hallelujah!

Inner Strength

God gives inner strength to every person who trusts in Him and in His salvation. Here are several Bible passages on the topic:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isa 41:10 NKJV)

I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves . . . (Eph 3:16 GNT)

. . . strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy . . . (Col 1:11 NKJV)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13 NKJV)

This is one of the blessed benefits of our salvation—to receive inner strength and perseverance from God, our Savior. Whenever we face difficulties, challenges, sorrows, or calamities, we may cry out to the Lord in our trouble and He will deliver us. Take note of these Bible verses:

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. (Ps 107:6)

. . . persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. (2 Tim 3:11, emphasis added)

What a loving and mighty God we serve! Look at just some of the blessings that He pours out upon each and every one of His people:

He is always with us and will never reject us.
He upholds and sustains us.
He gives us grace to enable us to serve Him and to fulfill our callings.
He provides health, healing, reconciliation, and mercy continuously.
He justifies us and grants us peace with our Father God.
He loves us perfectly
He has given us a salvation that will provide us with joy in the presence of the Lord now and for all eternity.

Become aware of and use the inner strength that God has given to you. Study these blessings and benefits of our salvation in order to support and to sustain your inner strength. Blessings upon you!

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Tag: glory