Tag: grace

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But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
John 20:31

As you read through John’s Gospel of Jesus, there is an underlining purpose and message that John wants every reader to know.  John’s conviction and testimony states there is no other name by which we can be saved.  

John is clear to present the truth of Jesus Christ being our Redeemer and Savior.  It is only through Jesus alone that one can obtain eternal life.

Jesus performed various signs and wonders that we call miracles.  Miracles were a sign for all to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.  The blind were given sight, the lame were made to walk, the dead came alive, but most importantly sinners were forgiven of their sins.  

Jesus’ purpose in coming down from Heaven was to save sinners but the people who encountered Jesus wanted more.  So Jesus gave them miracles to prove to them He was the Messiah.  The problem is, some still didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah.

You may recall Thomas, who was a disciple of Jesus, wouldn’t believe unless he saw the nail print in His hands and put his finger into His side (John 20:25).  And after Jesus allowed him to do so, He said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Today, we don’t need signs or miracles to prove that Jesus is the Son of God and the true Messiah.  We have the written Word of God and that is all that we need.  The Bible reveals to us all we need to know about Him.

Instead of praying for a sign from heaven, just believe that Jesus is all that you need and by believing in Him you have all that you need.

Pray

Lord, You have spoken to me through Your written Word and You have revealed Yourself to me. Let my heart fully understand that You are all that I need. Let my heart and meditation be upon You.

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:6‬

Christians are called to walk in integrity.  It is the basic element of Christian morality.  Integrity means to do what is right and honest even when no one is watching.  

Unfortunately, there are countless examples of Christians who make their public life appear to be great and wonderful but privately they are unrighteous.  Integrity calls us to walk in the path of Christ and to steer away from hypocrisy.

Our lives are to be marked by love, compassion, mercy, justice, and fearing God above everything else.  We must be quick to turn from evil and do good.  To know what is the right thing to do and not do it is a sin.  

We all face challenges of integrity that can either make us or break us.  Living a life of integrity means that we set aside popular self-perceptions and model Christ-like behaviors.  When it comes down to it, most of the time you are the only one who knows what you did is right or not.  

If we desire to influence others we must have integrity.  Integrity is crucial in all aspects of leadership.

Pray

Lord, keep me humble and always allow me to remember that when no one else is watching, You are. Help me to be a person of integrity. Keep me in Your sovereign hands.

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:1-2‬ ‭

When God spoke to Abraham, His words were very clear.  God first told Abraham, “Go to a land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)  Abraham’s faith was so strong.  He listened and obeyed the voice of God.  

Through the years, Abraham was tested in many areas.  God promised him a son but he was very old when Isaac was born.  He learned to wait on the Lord.

Perhaps the most important test in Abraham’s life was when God asked him to sacrifice his own son.  His son meant more to him than anything else and God asked him to offer him up as a sacrifice.  Abraham had waited over 25 years for the promise of his son and now he was asked to give him up.  God was asking a lot from Abraham and it was a true test of faith and obedience.

Our faith and obedience to God is tested everyday.  While it may not seem as significant as with Abraham, we too must be willing to give up the things that mean the most to us.  Is there something that God is asking you to do that requires much faith and obedience?

Knowing God’s will is easy.  Doing God’s will is what’s so difficult.  As you mature in your faith, God will ask you to do things that may take you out of your comfort zone.  When God speaks we must obey.

Pray

Lord, help me to walk close to You and know Your will. Teach me to be obedient and faithful in all areas.