The Crown of Life

Believers in Jesus Christ receive the crown of life. Let’s remember that before Jesus came, God had made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Jesus came so that the Gentiles might also be saved, and that atonement might be made for the sins of all of mankind. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and he was the perfect sacrifice for all of mankind. (see John 1:29, 36)

Believers are not promised an easy life in the Bible. We are warned in 2 Timothy 3:12 that those who desire to live godly in Jesus will suffer persecution. We must stop and realize that the enemy would not be attacking Christians so desperately if we did not possess something of great value.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (Jas 1:12 NIV, emphasis added)

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10 NCV, emphasis added)

Trials of various types test a Christian’s faith, develop endurance in their lives, and help develop spiritual maturity in them. We can all read in 1 Peter how Jesus responded to persecution:

Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly. (1 Pet 2:23 CEV)

The Lord will give every believer the sustaining grace that they need to go through such trials victoriously. We just need to hold onto our faith in God and in His ability to uphold and sustain us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally through persecution.

Let’s consider how we can stand firm in our resolve to continue speaking the Word of Life boldly, even under the threat of persecution.

Before persecution begins, we must prepare for it by cultivating the Word of God in our hearts. This means that we memorize various passages from the Bible and review them regularly to make sure we retain them.

Scripture teaches that we carry the Word of God in two places: in our mouths, and in our hearts (see Romans 10:8, and Deuteronomy 30:14). Remember this vital truth: Whenever persecution attempts to silence the Word that is in our mouths, it is the Word that is in our hearts which will sustain us.

We carry the incorruptible Seed of the Word of God in our mouths and in our hearts, and we cannot begin to fathom the fruit that will come from that Seed. Hold fast to the Seed that has been sown in your hearts, brothers and sisters! It will uphold and sustain you, along with the very real presence of the Prince of Peace who never leaves us. Glory to God!

Our Work Pleases God

Does it surprise you to realize that our work pleases God? I am making this claim based upon a number of Bible passages. Please join me in my study.

So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. (Neh 4:6 NKJV)

Notice in the above verse that the ‘people had a mind to WORK.’ God blesses the work of our hands! He doesn’t bless laziness or inactivity.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Ps 1:3 NKJV, emphasis added)

In the verse above from the first Psalm, notice that whatever a person DOES shall prosper! Observe that the Lord is talking about action or movement here—about a person at work—not someone sitting around and dreaming.

Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening. (Ps 104:23 NKJV)

God created a way for every living thing to have sustenance and a way to be blessed. Work is a blessing to mankind.

The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered. (Ps 111:2-4 NKJV)

God, our Creator, also worked and that work is described as honorable and glorious. Furthermore, the Lord created His works to be remembered. Glory to God!

. . . comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. (2 Thes 2:17 NKJV)

“Establish” means to support or sustain. The prayer in 2 Thessalonians (above) is that God will uphold us in our good words and work. God bless you!

An Everlasting Throne

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has been promised an everlasting throne according to the Scriptures. Let’s consider this truth today.

You, O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation. (Lam 5:19)

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (Ps 45:6)

But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. (Ps 102:12)

This truth from the Bible is information designed to strengthen and to sustain our faith, and give us confidence in the Lord. Our Savior is the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings. (Isa 9:6; 1 Tim 6:14-16)

Here is some additional insight into the Lord’s everlasting throne:

When the angel was announcing to Mary the conception of the Messiah, these promises were reiterated. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end“ (Lk 1:31-33). These promises will be eternally fulfilled some day. “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'” (Rev 11:15). Source: https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/dbdbg/view.cfm?Date=0630

One day ALL of the nations of the earth will worship and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! (Ps 22:27; 72:11; 86:9; 102:15; Isa 2:2; 40:5; 45:23; 66:23; Jer 3:17; 33:9)

As God’s own people and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17), let us be faithful and obedient to acknowledge and praise our Sovereign God and King now! May we be continuously aware that we serve the God whose reign will never end. We will spend eternity with the Lord in sweet fellowship and harmony with Him. Glory to God!

What Is a Backslider?

A backslider is someone who has reversed their direction in a given area. In terms of Christian faith and life, it usually refers to a person who at one time had a vital, meaningful relationship with Jesus as their Savior but who has turned away from the values of following Christ and living a moral, upright life.

But the Lord says, in the verses below, that He loves the backslider, that He is married to them, and that He will heal their condition by bringing them back to Himself. Glory to God!

Return, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I am married to you. (Jer 3:14a)

Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. (Jer 3:22a)

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely . . . (Hos 14:4a)

This turning away from faith may happen if a person isn’t connected to a church or a body of believers with whom to fellowship. It may also occur if someone becomes neglectful about Bible reading, prayer, and praise and worship. These are all forms of communication with the Lord, and any relationship will wither and collapse without ongoing, regular communication.

So we can’t allow our affections for the Lord to cool down by discarding the habits that uphold and sustain our faith in Jesus. It’s always good to review our conduct occasionally to make sure that we’re making decisions that will positively impact our life of faith. Our life habits should sustain and nurture our Christian faith, so guard them well.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord . . . (Ac 3:19) Our sympathetic Savior is happy to restore and to revive our relationship with Him at all times. And He says that times of refreshing will follow, times of rejuvenating the relationship with Him and pouring out grace upon you to inspire you in fresh ways.

Anyone who has backslidden from their faith in Christ has hope. The Lord is loving, merciful, and kind. He longs for us to return to Him and to reestablish our relationship with Him—the God who is love. (1 Joh 4:8) God bless you.

The Wells of Salvation

Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isa 12:3)

This Scripture has always fascinated and intrigued me. This is beautiful language from the heart of our Savior God.

Here is what I hear when I read this passage:

“With great jubilation and rejoicing, I shall pull forth the knowledge of God’s love, goodness, and power from the never-ending source of blessings within me. (That source is Jesus Christ, the Lord.)” Wow! What a powerful confession and testimony!

Deep within God’s wells of salvation, we shall experience the cool water of God’s grace, strength and joy. This will refresh and strengthen our hearts and motivate us to praise and give thanks to our God.

On another level, we all know that water is necessary to sustain life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (Joh 14:6) We cannot have eternal life without Him. We can’t experience the blessings of God upon the righteous except through Jesus. He is the mediator and connection between God the Father and mankind. (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6) The Word reminds us that Jesus lives to make intercession for us! (Heb 7:25)

The term “wells of salvation” indicate an ever-flowing, enduring, and unfailing supply of water. Jesus is not only the fountain but the water of life itself!

“. . . but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

Take a little time to think about the “wells of salvation” that Christ has placed within you. Consider that they were put there to not only bless, heal, and to prosper YOU; but also to bless, heal, and to prosper ALL with whom you come in contact! You are a Christ-carrier so allow Him to operate through you.

Does Living for God Yield Benefits?

Are there really benefits given to those of us who live for God and His Kingdom? The Scriptures tell us that there are!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits . . . (Ps 103:2)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation. (Ps 68:19)

What might some of those benefits be?

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Ps 34:22) This is God’s promise to redeem the essence and character of His servants, as well as that—as we trust in Him—we won’t be scorned, abused, or belittled.

. . . and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. (Ps 37:19b) In famine, the Lord says that He will quench our hunger.

. . . but the Lord upholds the righteous. (Ps 37:17b) . . . for the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Ps 37:24b) The Lord supports, defends, and encourages us. Praise God!

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite [crushed] spirit. (Ps 34:18) The Lord comforts and heals us when we’re brokenhearted or feel crushed in spirit.

All flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. (Isa 49:26c) The Lord will demonstrate to everyone that He is our God by showing His power on our behalf.

The Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints: they are preserved forever . . . (Ps 37:28a) God will never forsake us but He will save and sustain us always.

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Ps 5:12) God surrounds us with His blessings, esteem, kindness, and approval. Thank You, Lord!

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain [protect; support; defend] you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. [shaken] (Ps 55:22) As we share our concerns, problems, and heartaches with the Lord, He’ll protect us and prevent us from getting pushed around (bullied) by the enemy or by our circumstances.

And these are only the benefits from the Old Testament! There are more and BETTER benefits recorded in the New Testament. (Heb 8:6) Hallelujah!

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