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More than ten years ago a south Texas newspaper published an opinion piece that claimed that because humans are made in the image of God, we are perfect and do not need salvation. The article said the only thing we needed to be saved from was the idea that we are, or ever were, “unsaved.”

I guess the author stopped reading the Bible after Genesis 1:26!

That is an extreme example of ignoring the whole counsel of God.

We see this failure everywhere: in various people, cults, false teachers, some churches.

The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Know the Truth

We must know truth in order to be protected against error and lies. We must know God’s truth to live stable and righteous lives. We must be able to discern error.

It is hazardous to lock onto one verse without looking at its context. Scripture does not contradict Scripture. We need to absorb the whole counsel of God.

For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:27-28)

Let’s Resolve

Let’s resolve to diligently study the Bible, meditate on His word, and hide His word in our hearts. By accurately handling the word of God, we’ll be equipped for every good work.

All Scripture is inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Press on!

“Hope is dangerous as an NFL fan,” said someone somewhere on the World Wide Web.

Yep.

And trusting in your job or health or resources is dangerous also.

The only certain hope is Almighty God, who knows everything, can do anything, and from whom comes eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Putting trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior never goes wrong.

We are to be responsible about our health, relationships, and finances, for example, but if we rely on something or someone in this world rather than Christ, we are in danger. Be aware of those times, confess, and determine to make the God of hope your hope.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

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See also False Hope.

God guarantees many things for Christians, those who have repented and put their trust in Jesus Christ; those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

In the verses below, insert your name as noted.

God chose [your name] in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

Once God chose [your name], the whole chain started: justification, sanctification, glorification.

[Your name] whom He predestined, He also called; and [your name] whom He called, He also justified; and [your name] whom He justified, He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

The verse about God choosing [your name] also has God’s intent for doing so:

Just as He chose [your name] in Him before the foundation of the world, that [your name] would be holy and blameless before Him. (Ephesians 1:4)

God guarantees that [your name] will be holy and blameless before Him!

He guarantees that He is making [your name] to be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29)

God began a good work in [your name] and will perfect [His work] in [your name] until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Guaranteed!

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if these verses don’t apply to you, PLEASE recognize that you have rebelled against Almighty God, have committed cosmic treason, have sinned, and repent! Repent and believe in Jesus Christ, our only Savior, and have eternal life.

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We have all been disappointed. I don’t have to give examples, because I know there is some sort of disappointment in your recent past. Maybe even today.

Every disappointment is based on wanting something other than what you got. Disappointment is from an expectation or hope that didn’t come to pass.

Disappointment may sound trivial, but it is not. In fact, if we don’t deal with disappointment, it may start a chain of increasing disaster.

Ok, so you may think I overstated that. I didn’t.

Kay Arthur, in Learning to Embrace Life’s Disappointments, talks about the Five Deadly D’s: Disappointment, Discouragement, Dejection, Despair, Demoralization.

I’ve seen a similar chain that included damage with family felationships.

Deal with disappointment NOW

Quickly recognize disappointment. Don’t ignore it. Don’t minimize it. Deal with it.

Remind yourself that your loving sovereign is in control and caused or allowed the situation. As Kay says: “Change “disappointment” to “HISappointment.”

Prayerfully discern whether you need to (or even can) change the situation. If so, get on it.

Prayerfully consider the cause. Did you have ungodly or unrealistic expectations? Have you been regularly praying and studying God’s Word? Are you knowingly and joyfully dependent on Him? You may need to make some changes.

If He doesn’t want you to act to change it, thank Him for the situation. Be grateful. Be content. Know that His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Beware

How we deal with disappointment is an indicator of our spiritual health.

If we sink into disappointment, we’ve started a awful chain that may lead to bitterness, depression, and lack of trust in Almighty God.

Deal with disappointment early; dealing with it later is harder and more painful.

Resolve

Resolve to give thanks to God in everything.

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Remember

The only One who never disappoints a Christian is God.

Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed. (Romans 10:11)

Press on!

Ambition can be good or bad, depending on whether it is self-focused or God-focused. The dictionary definition: “An excessive desire for honor, power, or wealth.” Or, more neutrally: “A desire to achieve a particular end.”

Selfish Ambition

We’ve all seen selfish ambition. A co-worker that only wants promotions and doesn’t care who gets in the way. An actress who wants fame through magazine covers and leading roles, and schemes to get it. A politician who sells votes to get on a ramp for higher office. Or. Or. Or.

There are many examples in the Bible. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3, Daniel 4:30). Herod (Acts 12:21-23). Pharisees (e.g. Matthew 6:2).

Selfish ambition does NOT please God. Nebuchadnezzar was driven away for seven years to eat grass like cattle (Daniel 4:31-32). Herod was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:23). Pharisees, by seeking and getting their rewards from men, had their reward in full (and not from God).

But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them. (Jeremiah 45:5)

Sanctified Ambition

For Christians, believers in Christ, we are to make our ambition to please God.

We also have as our ambition … to be pleasing to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:9)

We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness. (Matthew 5:6)

This does not mean we cannot seek specific work, for example 1 Timothy 3:1, but our motive is key.

The Lord … will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

In whatever path we take, our ambition must be to please the Lord. And whatever God gives us, we must keep our goal to please Him.

And we know that the Lord will reward us.

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

We [Christians] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad [worthless]. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Examine Ourselves

We need to routinely examine our motives. Are we doing something for a selfish reason or to please the Lord? We should pray that the Lord will make our intentions clear to ourselves. If they are selfish, we must confess our sin.

As we go through our days, we can ask the Lord: “Does this (thought, plan, action) please You?” And then decide accordingly.

Father, please help us make pleasing You our ambition.

The world is a mess!

Stay tuned.

God’s righteous judgment is coming

He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed. (Acts 17:31)

In the meantime, TRUST

The Judge of all the earth will deal justly. (Genesis 18:25)

Know that the timing of judgment is God’s. “He has fixed a day….”

For His own sovereign reasons, He is letting the wheat (good seed) and the tares (bad seed) grow up together.

Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13:30)

In the meantime, KNOW

Know that God is God, and we are not!

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways … For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

In the meantime, PRAY

Pray that our country would see our sin and repent. Pray for revival. If you are watching specific people, pray that they would see the truth about themselves and about God. Pray for their salvation. Pray that God is glorified.

And we should pray for ourselves. Pray that our trust in Almighty God grows. Pray that we recognize our own sins and confess. Pray about how how to pray. Pray that we honor God with our lives.

Lord Jesus, come!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This is an awesome promise from Almighty God who cannot lie and who fulfills ALL His promises, including this one. He will work together for good all things …

But, First, Are You Included?

But first, are you included in this promise? The promise is conditional.

Do you love God?

Are you called by God according to His purpose?

If so

If you are included in His promise, then whatever (WHATEVER) comes your way, bad or good, God works it for good for you.

Silver Lining

Bad things at the moment. Good things ultimately.

I’ve heard it called “blessings in disguise.” The temporal view of being affected by sin and evil is never a blessing. Sin and evil are truly bad. But, God turns the sin/evil (or apparent good) touching us into good.

We are told to be joyful with various trials. We are told that when we are persecuted, we are blessed.

We must learn to look at events with a long view. Perhaps, a much longer view. God is the only One with eternal perspective, but we can try.

Give Thanks

The bad things that happen to us are, well, bad. We shouldn’t try to redefine them. Bad is bad. Evil is evil.

But, as Christians, we MUST look beyond the event to our faithful, loving sovereign. We must believe Him. Not just believe in Him, but believe what He says.

So we can indeed give Him thanks in everything, knowing He is in control and that He is working this event into good for us. Give thanks in the good. Give thanks in the bad, knowing He keeps His promises.

East River 2018, Harry Durgin

The world situation is sobering. Murder. Violence. “Smash and Grab.” Car hijackings. Abductions. Sex trafficking. Thefts of all sorts. Arson. Cheating. Lying. Slander. And on and on. And on.

God warned us that this was coming.

But remember this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. (2 Timothy, 3:1-5)

I have to be careful that I not sink into depression about the state of my country. I have to be mindful that I not focus on how it used to be, comparing it to now, and imaging a horrible future.

Instead, I must talk to myself using God’s word.

God warned us, so I should praise Him that His word is coming to pass.

God is the righteous judge, so I should praise Him that He will justly judge evil doers at His appointed time.

God is for us (His saved children), so I should praise Him that He will be with us and never leave us.

God told us that all evil will be destroyed, that death will be defeated, that He will dry our every tear, and that His righteousness wins. YAY!

Praise Almighty God.

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Talking God’s word to yourself isn’t the only thing to do, of course. God may call you for some sort of action. And we all have responsibilities to Him. But correctly talking to yourself is fundamental.

Drifters Heart of Hope, Horse Rescue, Franktown, Colorado

God is Faithful

The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. (Revelation 19:11)

Saving Faith.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Sanctifying Faith

God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

Christ Prays about ouf Faith

But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.. (Luke 22:32)

Levels of Faith

Weak faith. (Romans 14:1)

Little faith. (Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 14:31, 16:8 17:20)

Great faith. (Matthew 8:10, 15:28)

Heroes of faith. (Hebrews 11)

Our Responsibility to Increase our Faith

Pray!

Lord, increase my faith!

Learn.

Faith is built on fact, revealed through God’s word. Faith is based on our belief in Jesus Christ and on the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5)

Practice.

Faith reveals itself in action.

… the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5)

The work of faith… (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Be faithful in the little things and the hard things will become easier.

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much. (Luke 16:10)

God rewards faith

And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’ (Luke 19:17)

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

Pray!

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Father, thank You for saving faith and for sanctifying us. It is impossible to please You without faith (Hebrews 11:6), so please increase our faith. Please help us be conscious of You–who You are and what You do–throughout our lives, and to act in steadfast faith.

Female Black Swallowtail; MegRichardsPhotography.com

Believers* will live forever where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). We will be included in heaven. (See Excluded.)

As we learn something about what that means and rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12), thrill follows.

Living where righteousness dwells means we live with God, we’ve been glorified (Romans 8:30), made perfect (Hebrews 12:23), and presented holy and blameless to the Father by Christ (Colossians 1:22).

We will see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

There is no sin where righteousness dwells. No sin in actions. No sin in words. No sin in motives. No sin in heart or mind.

We’ll be in the assembly of the righteous (Psalm 1:5).

Unimaginable.

But true.

Think about it. Be grateful! Rejoice!

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*Those who have repented and believe in Jesus Christ, having received Christ as Lord and Savior. For Old Testament saints, who have repented and believed in God.