Rest for your souls.

“Any you shall find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (c).

People need rest, which is why God stipulated a day of rest in the Bible’s first book called Genesis. It is called the day of the Sabbath. You see, we cannot work every day and get stressed out. God knows our body requires rest, and He gave provision for it. He also included this in the ten commandments when He said, “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You shall labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your town.” Exodus 20:8.

As the progressive revelation of God progressed through the pages of the Bible, Colossians 2:16-17 says, “do not let anyone judge by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are the shadow of the things that were to come; however, the reality is found in Christ. All the celebrations, sacrificial systems, and festivals were shadows, and all these were fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Now the background of today’s insight is Jesus, the fulfillment of all the old testament shadows, including the Sabbath, filled with compassion as he looked at the burden of the people and said to them, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Hebrews 4 says God’s promise of entering His rest still stands. The writer is afraid that some of you may fail to experience it. Why? It says, “for this good news- that God prepared this rest-has been announced to us just as it was announced to the Israelites before their entrance into the promised land (Deuteronomy 12:9). You see, God gave a promise of rest as they were at the edge of the promised land, but those who heard the good news failed to enter because they did not believe God’s promise. As a result of disbelief, they did not go into the promised land (Numbers 14). Then God said, they will never enter my rest”. Except for two people (Joshua and Caleb), the whole generation had fallen in the wilderness in death, without entering into the rest promised just because of their unbelief.

Joshua led the next generation to the promised land. But he was unable to give them the rest. This is why the Hebrew writer wrote, “if Joshua had succeeded in giving them the rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come.” God said through David, who came to the scene much later and recorded in Psalms 95 these words, “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts,” reminding them God was angry with that generation for forty years because of their unbelief said in his anger, “They shall never enter my rest.”

In a nutshell, as the fulfillment of the shadow of the promise of the Sabbath day, you can enter into the rest for your soul by believing in the Gospel, by coming to Jesus. This is why Jesus said, come to me, and I will give you rest. And you shall find rest for your soul in Christ Jesus.

Therefore as the Hebrew writer announced, let us enter that rest now available in Jesus. The writer of the book of Hebrews also wrote if one disobeys and disregards the gospel/good news, as the people of Israel did in the wilderness, he or she will fall (Hebrews 4:11 (c).

Hebrews 2:3 says, “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” If the old Israelites did not escape because they neglected the offer, there is a chance you may also do not escape from the consequences of disbelief.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I do not want to harden my heart to your gracious offer of salvation and the resultant rest here and though out the eternity. I need Jesus. I come to you now and please give me the salvation and rest for my soul because you died, buried, and rose again for all of my sins and mistakes. In christ’s name, I pray, Amen.”

Be a winner.

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19.

A person who forgives ends up winning. This is the reason why you should choose forgiveness.

Alan Paton, a South African author, and anti-apartheid activist said this, “when a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive.” It is a true statement.

What is the opposite of forgiveness? Vengeance. By vengeance, we never recover. However, forgiveness does. Forgiveness frees you up to move on with no regrets. On the contrary, vengeance and retributive thoughts make you a prisoner because you do not feel free until the retaliation is done. You are hooked to another person who hurt you. You feel bitter and angry toward him or her. It affects your health, peace, and overall well-being as well.

There is a reason why Jesus said if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive what you have done. God bless and grants peace to those who are willing to forgive. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. Sometimes you may not be able to forget. Still, you can forgive from your heart. Besides, when you forgive others, God says he would forgive yours.

You see, we all need forgiveness of our trespasses and mistakes from God. The main issue you and I would not experience forgiveness unless we are willing to forgive others. This itself says forgiveness is the better and safer route we must take in our daily lives.

When you look back and think, remember God forgave you several times, didn’t he? You are still living, earning money to live is because He forgave you countless times. He could have knocked you down. However, He did not yet only because of the extend of his forgiveness. If that is what you have received, then this is what you need to offer in turn.

Secondly, you need forgiveness again from God. Jesus said if you do not forgive, your heavenly Father will not forgive you. Forgiving others keep the inflow of forgiveness to you from God. You can not afford to lose God’s forgiveness in your life.

Thirdly, un-forgiveness makes you only more miserable. It makes you someone else’s prisoner. You think you have the right to vengeance. However, you remain as the other person’s prisoner. You become more unhappy, angry, frustrated, and miserable. More than all, you lose your sweet fellowship with the Lord. That makes you more miserable.

The Bible says God owns vengeance, not you. Romans 12:19 says, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” Says the Lord.” This is a quotation from Deuteronomy 32:35, where the LORD God said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” You see we must leave room for God to avenge, not taking avenge in our hands. The context of the Deuteronomy passage is God avenges His own people for their stubbornness and foolishness, and He also repays for the wickedness of their enemies. He is fit to repay with all justice and fairness. So we can relax and rest on his command of forgiveness.

No matter what the truth remains, -a person who forgives ends up winning. What a  principle to keep in mind!

God a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, help me forgive others who hurt me. I need the empowerment of your Holy Spirit to keep on forgiving. I know you forgave multitudes of my sins and mistakes. This truth helps me to forgive others. I believe you forgave all of my sins because of the person and work of Christ. I believe Jesus died, buried and rose again for my sins. I accept Jesus as my savior and Lord now. In Christ’s  name, I pray, Amen.”

God is a million times better than the best earthly father. Taste and see!

“As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;” Psalm 103:13.

The Bible reiterates that God is the perfect father you can ever have. I understand some of us may not have experienced a compassionate and loving earthly father. However, you have all the goodness, love, mercy, and compassion of a perfect father in God.

Our insight today compares the LORD’s compassion to an earthly father’s compassion. It says, “as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” As a father, I know how much compassion I have toward my children. At the same time, I am also mindful of the truth- I am not a perfect father in many ways. I am an imperfect father. Listen! So are you, all earthly fathers.

However, The LORD God is the perfect father. How much more would be His compassion toward those who fear him? The word fear means your respect, honor toward Him, and His words. Do you respect and honor God and his principles laid down in the Bible? If so, this passage is for you.

Now the Bible says, “the LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all he has made.” Psalm 145:9. Because he is the creator of all, the LORD is good to all, and he has compassion on all he created. This is in a general sense. No matter what, God will be good to you. No matter what, He has compassion toward you because he is your creator. He has to be because he created you, and his traits remain the same. It makes sense.

However, our insight says that God’s compassion toward you is like a father’s compassion for his children. This brings home God’s loving-kindness and resultant care in an intimate and personal sense. In general meaning, God is the father of all because they are all his creation. In a particular sense, God becomes your true father in a more personal and intimate way, because you are adopted into His household in His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5 says, “He (God) predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” John 1:12 says, “but to all who did receive him (Jesus), who believed in his name (the name of Jesus), God gave the right to become the children of God.” Who has the right to become the children of God? Read again. It says those who would receive Jesus and believe in his name. What a special privilege that God becomes your father in Christ Jesus?

Due to severe circumstances, sometimes we wonder whether God cares? The disciples asked the same question. They were afraid because of the lake’s severe storm, and the boat was about to drown. They asked Jesus, don’t you care if we drown? If Jesus is with them in the boat, do you think they are going to drown? Should they be afraid? No way, the Lord is in their boat. However, they were worried. Of course, he cared for them, didn’t he? He does the same care for you because you are his child and has compassion and mercy. Peter experienced His care not only there in the boat but many other incidents. He later wrote in 1st Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Beloved when you understand and accept the truth, God cares for you, you would not try to carry your anxieties and burden by yourself. You don’t need to. Because He cares for you, go to him in prayer, cast your worries and burden on him in prayer, and experience how he would help sovereignly in times of need. You will experience His compassion and care, and you are going to witness to others around you.

He is a million times better than your earthly best father.

Taste and see how good He is!

“Father in heaven, I carry my anxieties and worries to you in prayer. You are the perfect father who has compassion for me. You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place for my sins and shortcomings. I accept Jesus and believe in his name. Thank you for adopting me into your household as your child. Please forgive me and bless me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Your situation is not hopeless although you may feel that way!

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.

Yesterday we talked, you may think your situation is hopeless. However, it is not in most cases. When you feel discouraged, depressed, and desperate, look back and assess with a sincere heart.

If another person’s words or action creates hopelessness, you would need to talk to that person first lovingly and respectfully. I understand that love and respect are hard but depend on the Lord and His power and grace. If they do not want to own or help resolve it, there is nothing more you can do about it. If you have a regular church you attend, you can seek spiritually mature Christians’ help. However, human hard-heartedness is difficult to solve apart from the power and grace of the Lord. If nothing helps, you give the matter to the hands of the Lord in prayer. God can better deal with such situations. You see, you would not control others’ thought processes and actions, although you could help them see the faults. However, there is no guaranty they would own or accept the responsibility. From that point onwards, God goes to work. You relax.

If your words or actions cause hopelessness, you need to admit it and confess to the other person involved and the Lord. If you are sincere, you will get forgiveness from the other person. Bible promises God will also forgive you upon confession of your mistake because the shed blood of Christ on your behalf covers upon your sincere and genuine confession.
Now you have to unpack the load and burden and move on for the plan and purpose of the calling of the Lord in your life. You see, life here on this earth won’t be perfect. Imperfections are not uncommon. If you expect perfectness from others and you, you would eventually get frustrated and discouraged. Understand you would not be able to change others. Only God can do it. However, you can re-focus on God’s call for your life.

Bring the situation to the Lord in prayer. Listen to what He advises you in your heart as you pray and seek his face. Prayer is not just your words. Prayer time is listening to God, as well. Prayer works both ways. You talk to the Lord, and you listen to what He says. Ask what the Lord speaks to me now and listen intently. You may not hear audible words. God will put relaxing and peaceful thoughts and ideas in your heart. A balanced understanding of Scripture plays a significant role in this aspect. It is essential to have a general understanding of God’s general counsel revealed in the pages of the Bible. When you pray and listen, God usually reminds you of the Bible verses and gives confirmation and directions. Thank the Lord and follow what He counseled you. God will never advise something against the balanced truth of the word of God. I mean, one verse must not be the basis. The whole counsel of the Bible is vital regarding the concerned topics.

Certain times God would ask you to forgive and be gracious hundreds of times. It is not pleasant to us. However, if that is what He says and brings to your mind, and forgiveness brings back peace and restoration, go that route. No way I am telling you to need to suffer personal physical or mental abuse. In such situations of dangerous and harmful cases that affect your safety, you will need other’s or authorities’ help. Look for peace and restoration. If that happens, forgiveness is the route to go even in difficult situations that do not affect your safety on a going basis. I like what Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13. He said, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” What is ahead? According to Paul, it is winning the prize for which God grabbed hold of him. The purpose that God grabbed hold of him was the heavenward one in Christ Jesus. That is your goal, as well.

Out today’s insights say, your plan must be to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. The plan is to get God’s approval and win the prize for which He called you in Christ.

God, who sees your situation, will bring solutions as you continually seek His face in prayer. It will bring solutions to your problems and glory to Him. In the process, you will need a big dose of patience and perseverance. God said he would equip you with patience and perseverance as you seek Him. One day, you will understand and testify that God has done everything well in His perfect time in the future.

Remember, your situation is not hopeless because you have the God of good hope, comfort, and encouragement with you. He understands and cares for you. He will bring you out of it. That is all you need. You can face all challenges and difficulties life throws at you.

Got a moment for prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for helping me to know my situation is not hopeless. You are the God of good hope, comfort, and encouragement. Please help me to obey the percepts I learned today. I believe Jesus died for my sins and shortcomings. I repent of my sins and mistakes and turn to Jesus and accept Him as my savior and Lord. Please help me today and bless me with your presence and counsel. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

“Through the storm, you do not walk alone.” (unknown quote)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:3

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 1:3.

In these unsettled and stressful times, there is all the chance that you may think you are alone. You feel like you are in it and no one to look for help. However, you are not alone. You do not need to be alone. Several years ago, one of my friends gave me a wall post that says, “through the storm, you do not walk alone.” It is still in my home. 

You see, I love what the Bible says about our Lord. It says our God is the ‘God of hope.’ Romans 15:3. It also says ‘God of all comfort.’ 2 Corinthians 1:3.

Beloved, I do not know about you. I can testify that these past several months were very testing and painful times in my life. My understanding that I can go to the God of hope and receive comfort from Him is the only reason why I am writing this to you. God is the source of hope. He is the source of all comfort.

The hope and encouragement that God gives is an anchor for your troubled soul. 

You see, you do not need to be hopeless and comfortless. People think their circumstances are hopeless. It is not. Connect you to God in these challenging times. He will fill you with hope and comfort, which would eventually result in joy and peace as you call upon him for help and guidance. The result would be you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit who is at work in you. God is the God of hope, and He gives hope by the power of His Spirit. 

The triune God is involved in giving hope, comfort, and encouragement. 2 Thessalonians 2:16 says, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope.” You see, hope God gives called good hope. Moreover, the hope that God gives will never disappoint you (Romans 5:5 (a)). In other words, you would never say the hope and comfort I found in the Lord God disappointed you. It will never, never disappoint you. 

You see, God is the source of all good hope, comfort, and encouragement. The secret is you need to stay connected to Him in these difficult days. Your connection to the God of all good hope, comfort, and encouragement in these perilous days begin with your relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. He came down to this planet earth, died, and rose again to make you God’s own child, canceling all your sins and imperfections. The Bible says in John 1:12 says if you accept Jesus Christ by believing in him, God gives you the right to become His children. What right/privilege is it? It is glorious and amazing to become the child of God and thereby inherit all the blessings and protection He has in store for you.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for letting me know I do not need to be hopeless. You are the source of all good hope, comfort, and encouragement. I want to connect to you by accepting Your Son, Jesus Christ, as my savior and Lord. I believe Jesus died, buried, and rose again for my sin. Please save me and bless me with your eternal hope, encouragement, and comfort during these difficult days. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.”

The dangers of gossip

“A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28.

Do you know the Bible, God’s word, has much to say about gossip? Google dictionary defines gossip in this way, “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.” Gossip reveals information about someone else in the conversation, social media, print, or any media.

Today’s insight says gossip of a slanderer stirs up conflict, and gossip separates close friends. Listen to the danger it can bring forth-separating close and trusted friends. Due to the bad consequences, the Bible says in Proverbs 20:19, “He who goes about talking to hurt people makes secrets known. So do not be with those who talk about others.” A gossiper attempts to talk about others’ hurts or failures so that he and the hearer (both) would feel good about their false superiority feelings in life. In other words, they are feeling good and superior at the expense of others and their reputation. The gossiper may have some unresolved issues or ill feelings with an individual. Instead of talking directly in person to find a solution, they look for an opportunity to talk to others to demean what the target person is attempting to do.

Proverbs 11:13 says a gossiper cannot be trusted with a secret. In short, a gossiper proves himself to be a non-trustable person. Listen to what the Bible says in Proverbs 10:18. It says he who spreads slander (or gossip) is a fool.

Gossip has several consequences. First, it separates good friends because of the doubts and unbelief the gossiper creates. Secondly, the gossiper can damage an individual’s good intentions because the secret shared is generally not based on verifiable truth. Thirdly, gossip can damage/attempt to destroy the good work began by a person. Fourthly, the gossiper becomes a person who can not be trusted. Fifthly, the gossiper becomes a fool eventually.

The Scripture shows us the first gossip and the eventual destruction it caused on this planet earth. In Genesis 3 the gossiper was none other than the serpent, the old devil. He attempted to damage the good intention of the creator, God. It was not based on truth. It alienated people from loving God and one another. It was a lie in the dawn of history. Trust with God and between one another were lost with a successful gossip. Although the first parents believed in the devil’s words, eventually, he lost all confidence and became a fool, ” for he is a liar and the father of lies”—John 8:44 (c). He and his powers and authorities were exposed, disarmed, and made a public display. God’s truth triumphed over them by the cross and saving power of God in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:13-15).

Beloved, please take note of the devastating danger and harmful consequences of gossip. Leviticus 19:16 says, “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor; I am the LORD.” God warns not to become a gossiper standing against the life and testimony of another person. The solemn warning is because of the name of the LORD. He says I am the LORD!

Aren’t you glad Christ conquered and triumphed over the old gossiper who separated you and me from God’s love and grace? By the shedding of his divine and sinless blood, Jesus paid for our unbelief and consequent rebelliousness against God and reconciled us to Him. This is Gospel or the good news that you will be reconciled and welcomed as God’s child when you come to Jesus Christ.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I am sorry for my sins and shortcomings. I repent about it. I confess my sins to you now. I believe Jesus died, buried, and rose again in my place for all of my sins and mistakes. I accept Jesus as my savior and Lord. Please save me now and make me a new person. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Hearts strengthened by God’s grace.

“Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you in the wrong way. Your hearts should be strengthened by God’s grace, not by obeying rules about foods, which do not help those who obey them.” Hebrews 13:9. NCV.

Over the years, I have seen people strengthening their hearts by at least two approaches. One is Legalism based on all kinds of strange teachings, (and there are several in the world) and the second one is the grace of the Lord. Paul usually begins his epistles with a greeting that says grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen! only the grace of the Lord can strengthen the heart by giving peace and rest. 

Even in Christian circles, believers can get into the trap of Legalism. The Christian life would then become a set of rules- by the thought that you have to follow certain rules, regulations, and restrictions to prove yourself worthy or good in front of others and God. Consequently, they put the same expectation on others as well. Suppose someone does not behave in the same way they think. In that case, they erroneously conclude they are not worthy of being accepted in their ‘circles.’ In short, such people strengthen their hearts with Legalism. 

Now think about the rules and laws regarding food, religious festivals, and certain celebrations. People think they can please God more by meticulously following such rules. Apostle Paul addresses such a legalistic mentality in Colossians 2:16. He wrote, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.  These are a shadow of the things that were to come; however, the reality is found in Christ.” Listen! All such restrictions or festivals they try to keep today were mere shadows of the things that were to come. All such things laid out in the past were found fulfillment in the work of Jesus Christ. Now you can relax and strengthen your hearts by the grace of God that was appeared in Christ. 

Beloved, strengthen your hearts not by Legalism but by the grace that was revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preceding verse in Colossians 2:9 says, “in Christ, you have been brought to fullness. Another translation says you were made complete in Christ Jesus. Look and understand what happened because of the work of Jesus on the cross. Verse 13 said that when you were dead in your sins and uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all your sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And He disarmed the powers and authorities (evil powers and authorities). He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them (evil rulers and authorities once ruled over you). Jesus triumphed over them by the cross. 

Stop and reread the above verse. Based on what God did for you in the person and work of Jesus Christ, you can now relax. Not only can you relax, but also you can strengthen your hearts with the depth and the power of the grace of God. You can become a channel of grace to others around you. You do not need to be legalistic anymore. Do not use Legalism to strengthen your worth. It does not. You are complete only by the work of Jesus Christ. Rick Warren wrote, “Legalism will suck your life dry of happiness. It sucks churches dry of happiness. Everybody is there out of duty and guilt.” You see, there is no real Christian joy and service when your hearts are grounded in Legalism. The real joy, happiness, motivation, and Christian service happens when our Lord Jesus Christ’s grace strengthens you.

Have you yet received the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ? God calls you to receive His grace today that is freely available in Christ Jesus.

“Father in heaven, I know there are many strange teachings and speculations that can lead me wrong. I give my heart to you, Lord. I allow you to strengthen my heart with the grace that is revealed in the person and work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May your free grace flow out of me as it flows out from Jesus Christ so that I can be a channel of your God’s grace. I believe Jesus died for my sins and shortcomings. I accept Him as my savior and Lord. Thank you for hearing me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Perfect knowledge and wisdom have one source. What is it?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

“Knowledge begins with ·respect [fear; awe] for the Lord.” EXB

“The worship of the Eternal One, the one True God, is the first step toward knowledge.” The Voice

“Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God”. The Message

“The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence].” AMP (Amplified Bible). Proverbs 1:7.

I understand teachbible.org has several young listeners around the world. I received an enormous number of friend requests from school and college students or those in the early life stages. I know many of you are in school, college, or an entry-level career and, consequently, acquiring knowledge and wisdom.

The question is this -Is there a secret to gathering knowledge and become a successful person in life? Yes, there is one. Today’s Bible insight says, you “start with God-“the first step in learning is bowing down to God.” The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Fear means high respect, honor, and a worshipful attitude toward God. This is the first step. You honor God. You think about Him and His word in the Bible very highly. You start your days (your studies/work) with God by praying and reading His word – the Bible. As you read the Bible, keep a notebook or diary near you because God speaks to you in these beautiful and quiet times. Ask what God says to me through these verses? You can write what He teaches you from His word every day. Then ask the question- how can I apply what I learned today? Could you write it down? Try to remember or reflect on what he taught and begin applying slowly.

If you continue doing this, you will discover you have more knowledge and wisdom than your friends, even in a short period. One day you will end up having more knowledge and wisdom than your teachers and bosses.

Now you got the secret for your school, college, and career success. Begin practicing what I explained above. God is going to lift you as He did to Daniel and Joseph. Practice a God-centered and God-honoring lifestyle early in life.

You may have noticed the teachbible.org has a tagline on its home page. It says, “To know the Bible is to Know God. To know Christ is to know God personally.” As you read and understand the Bible, you are learning the unsearchable depth of God’s knowledge and wisdom. As you know more about Christ, through its pages, you know God personally and intimately. The result is an immense capacity and storage of knowledge and wisdom in all your ways of life.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, You said to start with you, and the first step in learning is bowing down to you. I obey, and I worship you. I honor you and your eternal word in the Bible. I know when I know Jesus, I know you personally and intimately. I believe Jesus came down to this world, died, and rose again for my sins and shortcomings. Please forgive me and help me start my day with you and your Words in the Bible. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

What is most valuable and really needed is freely available.

“For of His fullness, we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16.

Grace subdue, disarm, demilitarize, and disband even the most powerful. Remember the incident scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery and set her in the midst of them listening to the teachings of Jesus. The bloodthirsty legalists were standing ready to throw stones at her claiming the commandment of the Law of Moses. I can imagine stones in their hands to obey the Law of Moses. Jesus said only one sentence, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7). Stones fell from their hands. They began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones. Jesus asked her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you? She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more.”

Our today’s insight says, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” Listen to how TPT translates the verse. “And now out of his fullness, we are fulfilled! And from him, we receive grace heaped upon more grace!” Young’s Literal Translation says, “and out of his fullness did we all receive, and grace over-against grace.” The question is out of whose fullness we have all received grace heaped upon more grace? The preceding verses say, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John, the dear disciple of Jesus, wrote about Jesus Christ. Of the fullness of grace in Jesus, we have received grace heaped upon grace.

Now, grace is unmerited favor. In other words, grace is not based on our merit or works but based on God’s compassion, mercy, and loving-kindness. 

Did you see what Jesus gave to her was not what she deserved? He offered to her what she needed. The one sure thing people need is grace. Especially right now, in this challenging time of COVID-19, Economic depression, and an uncertain future, we all need grace, although we do not deserve it. Remember a time in your life you received, not what you deserved, but what you needed. How did you feel about it?

Your parents need grace. Your children need grace. Your grandchildren need grace. Your friends need grace. Your co-workers need grace. Your employee and your boss need grace. Your neighbor needs grace. Rulers and servants need grace. All need grace. You see, the divine grace has the potential to disarm and alter the most wicked and cruel person in the world. That is the power of grace. It is of God. It is not of man. It is divine and comes from heaven. Jesus Christ was the embodiment of grace. He is the eternal Word of God. Apostle Peter wrote to “grow in grace” of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18. Apostle Paul wrote to the young minister Timothy, “You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2nd Timothy 2:1. 

Bible says in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes, he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” Jesus became poor. He was born in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Mary wrapped him in cloths and then laid him only in the manger. The eternal Word, the fullness of grace and truth, became so poor to come down from heaven to this sinful world to carry your sins and rebelliousness on his shoulders. He went to the cross to pay it all in full for you. Listen! That is the depth of grace.

God calls you to come to Him by accepting Jesus as your savior now. His shed blood will make you a brand new person out of you. It will qualify you to enter heaven not based on your merits, but based on the merit of Jesus. 

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I need your grace. I believe you are full of grace and truth. I believe you came down to this earth, died my place for my wrongdoings. You rose again. I need your love and blessings. Thank you for saving me now. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

When the heart grows faint in hopelessness, do this.

 

“From the ends of the earth, I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

When your heart becomes hopeless and grows faint, there are not that many choices we have. Some people wish to end their life. That is one option, but not a good one. You can visit your trusted friend for his presence and help. However, there will be times in our lives; we do not have even a trusted friend. David, the great king of Israel, was in such a predicament.

If you don’t have trusted friends, you are not alone. You see, we have good friends at a young age, and as we get older, friendship also becomes a scarce and rare item. However, the Bible says the Lord God is better than your closest brother. Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

David, in this psalm, says, “from the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” The Voice says the verse in this way, “You are the One I will call when pushed to the edge when my heart is faint. Shoulder me to the rock above me.”

What would you do when you become hopeless? I do not know where you are now.  It does not matter. Even from the ends of the earth, you can call the Lord God when your heart grows faint. You will never hear the line is busy or call back after a few minutes. You will not hear saying you are caller number ten. Also, you will not hear the message press 1 to get a callback. The line of the Lord God is open and directly accessible 24 hours and seven days. You can call him at any time. He will not ask you why you called me now? You called after you messed up your life with mistakes? He will not accuse you of your past actions.

David called from the ends of the earth when his heart grew faint and became hopeless. God helped him and delivered him from all his troubles. This is the reason why his writing became the Word of God for you and me to follow.

Are you hopeless? Does your heart grow faint?  Listen, Jonah says, “I called out of my distress to the LORD, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol.” Jonah 2:2. He also said, “While I was fainting away, I remembered the LORD.” When you faint, do not be afraid or shameful to remember and call the name of the LORD. Jonah did, and he was rescued and delivered.

The LORD God will shoulder you to the rock above you. He is the eternal shoulder and rock. He is your refuge and shelter. He will shoulder you under his safe wings, and you come out of the troubles with the help of the Lord. He promised it. You can claim the promise.

Beloved, one more thing- when you call upon the LORD God, call Him in the matchless and wonderful name of His Son and the savior of the world – Jesus Christ. (John 14:13-14). Bible affirms Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). You can come to Holy God only through Jesus Christ because Jesus already paid for your sins and mistakes by his divine blood. When you pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the alarms go off in heaven, and your prayer gets the attention of heaven. Where ever you are now, would you pray after me now?

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I am in a hopeless place. My heart faints. From the end of the earth, I call you God in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Please shoulder me in your wings safe and deliver me from all the troubles. Send your help. I believe Jesus paid for my sins with his blood so that I can approach your throne of grace and seek your help and rescue. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”