Let it happen!

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you, richly.” Colossians 3:16 (a).

We make many people’s words and messages enter into our lives daily. We often quote from well-known celebrities and authors. However, did you allow the words of Christ to enter in your life? The words of Christ is the first and essential thing you need.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you, richly.” Think about this verse a little bit more. First of all, you see the word of Christ would not force into your life. You ought to ‘let’ it happen. It is a personal decision. You, as an individual, must make it happen. You let the word of Christ enter in you. Let it happen. How do you make it happen? You make it happen by reading the Bible, studying it systemically. For this purpose, you may need to attend a Bible study group; you may need to listen from someone who learned the words of Christ, or you may have to go to a college or seminary. Or you study yourselves in your time of solitude, concentrating on it by moving you away from all other distractions and by praying to God to reveal His truth to you. You take the first step. You let the word of Christ come inside you. Open the doors and accept the words of Christ in your life.

Secondly, it is the words of ‘Christ.’ ‘Christ’ is God’s chosen one, God’s anointed, or His Messiah. You are letting the word of God’s chosen one, anointed one, and Messiah in you. You are not letting in some philosophers, religious gurus, or human celebrity’s expressions. God’s chosen one means the one whom He chose from the eternity past, even before He created the whole world. Jesus is the ‘Christ’. He is God’s promised Messiah. He is the fulfillment of all that God promised in the Scriptures. From Genesis 3:15 to Malachi 3, the scarlet thread of redemption of the promised Christ or Messiah can be traced, all of which were fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. You see, God is triune. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Christ is the second person in the triune Godhead, the Father being the first person, and the Holy Spirit is the third person. God planned it in the eternity past; Christ implemented it in time, and the Holy Spirit bids and convicts the words and messages of Christ in time.

Thirdly, you let the word of Christ dwell in you. After you read and studied, let (allow) it ‘dwell’ in you. You can memorize it, reflect it, think about it, and talk about it. Not just read, listen, and study, let the word of Christ dwell within you. It means to make the word of Christ find a permanent home inside you. You let it live in you.

Fourthly, did you notice the word, “richly”? Richness is the opposite of poverty. Not let the world of Christ poorly, sparingly, a little bit, and ‘just for its sake’ come inside you. Let it ‘dwell’ in you richly in all its lavishness, superabundance, filling you, and overflowing from you.

Where do you find the word of Christ? You can find the words and messages of Christ mainly in all of the four Gospel books in the New Testament section of the Bible. These four Gospel books are Matthew, mark, Luke, and John. Take time to read, memorize, and reflect on the words of Christ. In many Bible, they are highlighted in red color. The more you know Jesus Christ and the more you know His words, the more intimately you know God, the Father, and His eternal plans and purposes. Philip had a desire to see God the Father. Therefore he asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us. Jesus replied, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” He also said I am in the Father and that the Father is in me. It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” (John 14:9-10).

The whole Bible is God’s word. Every word in the Bible is God-breathed. However, the words of Christ in the Gospels need special attention. You see, in the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways. These are in the Old Testament section of the Bible. However, in these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I want to let the words of Christ dwell in me richly. Help me to study the Bible. I know when I read and listen to the words of Christ, I come to know you and your plans intimately. I believe Jesus is Christ, who died and rose again for all of my sins. I accept Him as my savior and Lord. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26. HCSB.

The entire world was locked down in this great disaster called COVID-19. Life became more harder and strenuous, even if you are inside or outside the home. Peace is a precious commodity around us. People are getting upset quickly, and the drivers on the highways and byways also reveal the unsettled attitudes of people. People give their hearts to irrational behaviors, addictions, frustrations, and hopelessness.

God says, “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” It is vital to give your heart to the LORD God in these un-precedented days. By this time, I am sure you have figured out a fact – there are few things in life that we cannot change. The more you try to control things and circumstances, the more stress and tension it creates. COVID-19 is one of such situations. There is nothing you and I can do about it to change things around us. God allowed it to happen because nothing happens without His foreknowledge and approval in His universe. In a situation like this, the safest and wise thing to do is to give your heart to God, observe and follow His ways. It means you trust and fully surrendered to Him until all this is over. Give your heart, its worries, and thinking to God in prayer.

How do I observe God’s ways or take delight in following His directions? You need to open up the heavenly book He sent for you, the author of which is none other than God himself. The book is called the Holy Scripture, the Bible. It alone would say how to observe and follow God’s ways. There is no other substitute available in this world in times like this.

Pandemic shut down everything around you, doesn’t it? However, you can unlock the Bible, the God-breathed words faithfully recorded in the pages of the Bible. There you would find out what God does these days, why He does, and the final results of all.

Don’t ignore or forget to give your heart to the LORD. That is the wisest, best, and the most blessed thing you can do in your life to face times like this. When you surrender or give your heart to Him, He would reveal things you do not understand by yourself through the pages of the Bible and the work of His Holy Spirit. You see, you cannot face times like this alone. You need the Almighty God and His gracious, loving, and powerful words and support to guide and strengthen you.

Do you know that giving your heart to God is equal to giving your heart to Jesus, the Son of God, who came to die for your sins and shortcomings? Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelations 3:20. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Would you open and invite him into your life? When you open the doors of your heart and invite Jesus in, you are surrendering your heart to God to observe and His ways. What a heavenly blessing in this pandemic time. You see this COVID collapse has produced many losses along with few once in a lifetime opportunities. The opportunity to give your heart to Jesus Christ is the most significant opportunity of all.

Would you pray with me? “Father in heaven, I give my heart to you by accepting Your Son and the only savior of the world -Jesus Christ. Jesus, come to my life. In these difficult times, may I walk with you Lord. Hold me with your hand, protect me and use me for your glory. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”

What makes you happy even on these difficult days?

“In this, you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.” 1st Peter 1:6

Few things are going around in this world, especially during this pandemic disaster time, which would cause us to get worried and even depressed. Death happened more often these days in different parts of the world, and the number of hospitalizations was on the rise around the world. Many lost their jobs and faced with financial stress. Some are unable to go back to work due to pre-high-risk health conditions.

Now, how can we rejoice and be happy in such a difficult time in history?

Our insight says, in this, you greatly rejoice, even though you are distressed by various issues and trials. In what can we rejoice, no matter what is going around? Peter writes to the fellow believers who were scattered around due to persecutions, trials, and struggles. He writes five things that make you happy, even in such situations.

What are they?

Number one, Remember God the Father chose you to become his child (1st Peter 1:2). You are chosen, and you belong to God. Secondly, you are being sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit to obey Christ Jesus because the blood of Christ sprinkled you. You are a work in progress by the almighty Gods’ Spirit, although you are not perfect in any measure now (vs.2(b). Thirdly, God caused you to born again to His Household and gave you a living hope for the future based on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Vs. 3(b). Fourthly, God reserved an inheritance for you in heaven. This inheritance reserved for you by Him is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away. It is a sure and secure inheritance. (vs.4). Fifthly, during your pain and troubles, you are protected by the power of God for your complete future salvation because you placed your faith in Him. (vs. 4).  Complete salvation means He will resurrect you and exalt you with a glorified body shortly. Your salvation would be complete when you get the glorified and eternal body according to the promise of God. The body you live in now is a temporal, physical body made out of dust. It is prone to bacteria and virus attacks. It is prone to health issues. It is prone to get weaker and weaker as you get older. However, the future, permanent, glorified, and eternal body you would get would be permanent and not prone to sickness, weakness, tiredness, or attacks. It will never get older and get decayed.

Bible says you rejoice in these five blessings God already granted you as His child. God chose you to become His child, and you belong to Him. His Holy Spirit sanctifies you with His power now. You are born into God’s family by your faith in His Son Jesus Christ, who paid for your sins and shortcomings by his divine and sinless blood. God reserved an inheritance for you, which is kept safe and secure for you. God protects you today with His omnipotent power and all-sufficient grace. You will obtain the complete package of salvation soon when your weak and lowly body gets conformed to Christ’s glorious body by the exertion of God’s power,  by which He raised Jesus from the dead and subjects all things under his control.

Beloved, God knows for a little while now you are distressed by sufferings, pain, and troubles. This is because we live on this cursed earth due to the original sin of our first parents and subsequent sins we all committed. However, the Bible reminds the future of those who trusted in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the savior of the world, is bright and secure even in uncertain and trying times like this.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, there are not many things that give us joy these difficult days. However, Your Word reminds as a child of God; we can rejoice in the matters we discussed today. You chose me already and accepted me to Your heavenly household. You reserved an inheritance for me in heaven. You would grant me full salvation when my mortal body would be resurrected and glorified by the same power you exerted in raising Jesus from the dead. What great blessings you gave me! I rejoice in these although I am faced with various issues and trials now. I thank, praise, and worship you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

Put feet to your faith in the Lord.

“The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes,  and in the wilderness.” Deuteronomy 1:30

When the Lord asks you to do something, he prompts you to do it, based on His great ability and power at your disposal, not yours. 

You remember the LORD provided a leader and performed many miracles before the Pharaoh of Egypt and then delivered the children of Israel from their bondage. When they were sandwiched between the red sea and the army of Pharaoh, it is the LORD who told Moses to lift his staff and stretch out over the sea to divide the sea so that they could cross over it through dry land. The LORD gave them food in the wilderness from heaven called the mana, and He quenched their thirst. Why He did it all? Because it was his efficacious and supernatural power that was with the children of Israel to fulfill His promises, He made it to their forefathers-Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Listen, it was not their ability and power. But it was the LORD’s. The only thing they had to do was to put their feet to their faith and trust in the LORD.

Later, when they came to Kadesh-Barnea, the LORD God placed the promised land before them. That time Moses, the servant of the Lord, asked them to go up and possess the land, according to the promise the LORD has spoken to their forefathers. He also said to them, do not fear or be dismayed. The people made up their minds to send a few spies to the land to check it out before going in. Moses approved the suggestion. (Deuteronomy 1:22-23). However, the majority of the spies, when they returned, gave a bad report. Do not think the majority opinion is correct, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. Only two spies-Joshua and Caleb reported the land is good, do not be afraid, God will give the land to them. They had to pay a high price for the truth they stood for. They ended up wandering in the wilderness for another forty more years. You see, sometimes holding for the truth costs dearly. The rest were afraid and terrified because the people living in the land were bigger and taller than them, and the cities were large and fortified well up to heaven. The spies also reported they saw the sons of Anakim there. Moses said to them not to get shocked and do not be afraid. He reminded them it is the LORD God who goes before them, and He is the one who would fight for them. He even told them How the LORD delivered them from Egypt and carried them up to this point.

However, the people who listened to the bad report would not listen to Moses. They were all struck by fear. They doubted and even grumbled against the LORD because they were convinced that it is an impossible task for them and so why should they even try.  Yes, God asked them to do a humanly impossible and gigantic task. However, it was He who was going to do it, not them. Bible says they did not trust the LORD their God who made the promise.

Beloved, maybe you missed a couple of opportunities in the past due to doubt and fear. I hope you never miss another God’s opening when it knocks at your door to do His will and plan on this planet earth. If God wants you to do something for Him, he will give you a vision and a strong desire in your heart. He will provide the needed strength and energy. Whatever the LORD asks you to do will be according to the word of God in the Bible. He will never ask you to do something contrary to the words in the Bible. If it is according to the word of God, and He placed a burden in your heart, and it requires more than your ability and strength, then you may want to move forward understanding it is not at all your ability or power that is required for the task ahead. It is the LORD who is going to accomplish it with His power. 

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for your counsel that the LORD who goes before me will fight for me. When you ask me to do something for you, I must trust you and move with you in action understanding it is your power, not my ability that will make it possible. I believe in your promise Lord. I am ready to do what you ask me to do in your will. Give me more faith and trust in you and your words recorded in the Bible. I trust in your strength and power, although I am weak and powerless. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

God’s grace is available in Jesus to all!

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8

Noah was a righteous man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. When the whole earth was filled with wickedness, and all people around him did only evil in the sight of the Lord, he had a believing, faithful and obedient heart for Lord to receive His instructions. Quietly, Noah believed in God and walked with Him, when others closed their heart and lived in unbelief. He was a pretty good man, wasn’t he?

In contrast, Saul of Tarsus was an aggressive and zealot man who destroyed churches and Christians. He gave his approval and supported them when they stoned Stephen, a disciple of Christ, to death. Yet, when Saul was breathing out murderous threats to Christians and was on the way to Damascus to arrest believers in Christ, God’s grace reached out to him and changed his life 180-degree angle. He started walking in the exact opposite direction from that point on. His only desire was to pour out the rest of his life for the loving savior, Jesus Christ.

King David was following the Lord wholeheartedly at an young age. Then later in his life, he failed terribly and committed two grievous sins – adultery and murder. Psalm 51 shows his pleading to the Lord in tears, for forgiveness and mercy, from the Lord against whom he sinned. God’s grace reached out to him again upon confession of his sins. But Saul, his adversary, the first king of Israel, continued in his rebellious and unrepentant life and ended up not receiving the grace of the Lord. He perished in the war with the Philistines. Actually, he ended up in suicide.

I have more examples to provide, but time and space restrict me.
Beloved, my question is this – Do you think anyone is beyond the grace and mercy of God? I recently read about a murderer who was convicted of 17 killings, from 1978 to 1991. His name is Jeffrey Dahmer. He was a cruel man who pressed untold miseries on his victims. However, the love of Jesus Christ and the gospel changed him. He said he repented of his brutal and sinful lifestyle. He said he was “born again” and trusted Christ as His savior when he was in the Columbia Correction facility in Portage. In May 1991, Dahmer was baptized by a minister in the prison whirlpool.

For some people, God’s grace is difficult to fathom. But that is what makes God’s grace entirely unmerited, unearned and powerful.

Then I thought about the words of Jesus in Luke 15:7, “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” The incident of Jesus talking to a repentant criminal on the cross also flashed through my mind. It is in Luke 23:39-43. It says they’re one of the criminals who hung there with Jesus insulted Him and said are you not Messiah? Then save yourself and us? But the second criminal on the other side of Jesus replied to him and said, “we are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man (referring to Jesus) has done nothing wrong. Then the man turned to Jesus and expressed his faith in Him. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus immediately answered him and said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Though this criminal died on the cross in a few moments, his spirit went to be with the Lord in paradise forever.
It is indeed a true statement that says, “God gave His love to us in that even while we were sinners Christ died for us?” Romans 5:8. Jesus Himself said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32).

Do you see the wonder-working power and beauty of the grace of God that is available in and through, His Son, Jesus Christ? Do you think anyone is beyond the grace and forgiveness of God? Bible says the only person who is beyond the grace and forgiveness of God is the one who dies in unbelief with an unrepentant heart. God’s grace is available immediately upon our faith and acceptance of Christ as savior and Lord. Beloved, Just one prayer away is the dynamite power of God’s grace! But those who refuse to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as their savior will never see and experience the beautiful and wonderworking grace of God. It is that simple, isn’t it?

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I need your love and forgiveness that is available in Christ Jesus. I know I am a sinner and I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. Please grant your grace to me today, Lord. I submit my life to you today. Use me for your glory. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

When afraid, we need someone stronger, who knows and guide us into an unknown future.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

David wrote these words when he was afraid of the Philistines when they seized him in Gath. The background of this incident is described in 1st Samuel 21. It says there, “and David took their word to heart, and greatly feared Achish king of Gath. Saul was in the hunt to kill God’s anointed David for some time. Now by the advice of his trusted friend Jonathan, he ran away from Saul for his life and was seized by Philistines in Gath. 

Beloved, it says David was greatly fearful due to the enemies inside and out. He prays in verses 1, “be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. In their pride they attack me”. Then comes out today’s insight. He says “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

You see, God is the refuge when you are being offended and slandered. He is the refuge when you end up in prison or even in an enemy camp. Say to the LORD like David said, “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” You see, in answer to his prayer God made the way when there was no way out by David’s creativity and ingenuity and God’s sovereign helping hand. (1st Samuel 21:12-15).

Bible clearly and repeatedly says the wisdom of prayer and trust in God. Psalm20:7 says, “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” In the olden days, kings and princes used to trust in the ability of their chariots and horses. However, the ultimate victory comes only from the LORD even though you have strong chariots and swift horses. Some people trust men and even princes. However, all men and princes are frail and temporary. Your help comes only from the LORD God. This is why the Psalmist says in 121 this, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven, and earth.” Yet some people have personal or family gods, idols, and images. Such family gods are man invented with no valid historical proofs of existence. They are man-made myths or stories. The idols are made by craftsmen who cut wood, stone, or iron and make them with their hands. No men fabricated family gods or idols would save you. Only the creator God who formed you and created everything in this universe lives forever and ever, loves you personally can save and deliver you. 

When afraid, we need someone stronger, who knows, able to guide us into an unknown future. Someone who you really need is God.

God displayed publicly His love and way of deliverance. Jesus Christ is the source of deliverance. The propitiation/satisfaction is Christ’s blood that was poured out for you on the cross. There is power in the blood of Christ to save and deliver you completely. Would you come to God and trust in what He has already done for you? Accept Jesus as your savior and Lord. 

Are you afraid? Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Put your trust in Him by praying to Lord Jesus to save and deliver you now.

Got a moment for today’s prayer?

“Father in heaven, I know David in his fear said, “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Lord, like David,  I put my trust in you. I believe you love me and want to deliver me from all my fears and make me free. I call upon Jesus who died to save and deliver me. I believe the blood of Jesus has the power to deliver me now. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen. 

The folly of Idols.

“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
and have carried since you were born.
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:3-4) NIV

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom. Do you know you can replace your worries and anxieties by worshipping and praising the one true God? Prayer and worship strip off the sources of burdens.

Today’s insight comes out of a background of people’s fascination for manmade idols and images. Chapter 45:16 says, “all the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced; they will go off into disgrace together.” Verse 18 says, The LORD who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited and he says, “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” Chapter 46 verses 1 and 2 says these objects of people’s worship were put on animals and cattle and the wagons had heavy loads making it hard for the tired animals (in the olden days they were carried by animals). Then it says they get down, both idols and animals bow down together. They could not save the heavy load. Both idols and animals carried away to another land. Worshipping idols and images do not take away burdens, only it adds.

Bible describes the folly of idol worship. The one true God hates idol and image worship. Our today’s Bible verse the LORD says, Listen to me.. I am the one who had upheld since your birth. He is the one who carried you since you were born. Not the human-made idols and images. Then the beautiful promise of God comes –“even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Bible says God formed you in your mother’s womb. Psalms 139:13 says, God created your inmost being; you are knit together in your mother’s womb and you are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him. He knew and His eyes saw your unformed body inside your mother’s womb. (vs.16).

Beloved, honor the true God who made the heavens and the earth and the one who formed you wonderfully. He is the one who upholds you, carries you. Not the man-made idols and images. Even when you become aged and weak, He promises he will sustain you. The reason is He has made you and that is why he will carry you and rescue you. Anchor your worried soul with God’s promises.

The question is do you know this truth? (click the link for more information about the topic https://www.teachbible.org/what-is-wrong-with-idols-images-and-pictures-to-remember-god/). Do you know God loves you and have compassion on you because you are made by him in his own image? It is because of God’s love and compassion that he sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to die in your place for all of your sins that hindered your fellowship and friendship with God. God loves you. You see the love of God toward you on the cross where the body of Jesus became a sacrifice for your sake to make you a child of God. God says he loves you. Look at the cross where Jesus died carrying your sins to understand the depth of God’s love.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Pray after me. “Father in heaven, I understand the folly of idols and image worships. I know you hate it because the Bible in several passages talks against this practice. I know you created me in my mother’s womb. You upheld me and carried me from my birth. I believe in your promise that you will sustain me and rescue me. I understand you love me and you gave me one and only Son, Jesus Christ, for my sins. I believe he died and rose again for me. Forgive my sins Lord and save me today. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”

There are no price tags for peace! Yet it is a gift of God!

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

I remember a couple of years ago, when we visited Hawaiian falls, a small boy was running around the swimming pool crying, screaming, and saying, “tornado, tornado coming at 6 PM, run fast.” There was no warning of a tornado that day, and all wondered why he was so worried, fearful, and screaming.

I am sure this was an unusual incident. But it portrays the troubled hearts and minds of people, doesn’t it? Do you know there are thousands of people who live in fear and without peace on this earth? Some people are afraid of God, and there are people who fear the devil and demons. Many people visit sacred places and take a bath in holy rivers and go climbing up steps to wash away their sins and to appease the wrath and anger of God. But, the truth is this -all these are purely man’s vain attempts to get peace and reconciliation with God.

Bible declares that we have peace with God by His act and not our by acts. It says we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Not by any of our works or acts.

We all know, there are no price tags for peace and love. Peace is a gift of God. Beloved, It comes as a result of our right standing with God. How can we stand right with God? On the day of the birth of Jesus, an angel appeared to the shepherds living nearby and announced this, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
You see, I am not a religious man. Why? All religions are man’s futile attempts to reach God. No one will reach God by their religion. Beloved, No religion can offer you right standing before God and peace in your heart. On the contrary, the Gospel or the good news of Jesus Christ can and will. The good news is this- God reached us in the person of Jesus Christ and freely gave us access to His grace, based on what Christ did for us.

Sin is the number one enemy of peace. Sin takes away peace from our hearts. However, God justifies a sinner freely by the blood of Jesus Christ. It means God put all of our sins on Christ as if he was the sole representative of all sinners ever lived on this earth. In turn, God imputes or imparts righteousness (right standing before God) based on Christ’s work not by our works. Let me explain, God takes all sin and all its filths from us and place it on Jesus Christ, and then, in turn, He declares us right before God because of the finished work of Christ and thereby grant us peace with Him. In other words, He treated Jesus like we were treated, and thus our sin is placed on His body. Jesus paid for your sins by dying, burying, and rose again in your place. Then God gave His righteousness (right standing before him) and resultant peace to us. In short, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was a single one-time event – Christ on the cross for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:17 sums it up this way, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.” ‘Reconciled’ is a finance and accounting term. We did not have peace because we went astray and alienated from God due to our sins. We were far away from God and lived in fear. Now Bible says, God took the initiative to change the equation. He turned our hostility to a fellowship and friendship with Him in and through the person and the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Bible says we never earn the right standing before God and the resultant peace with God, by observing the Law or our hard works. Listen, it is not earned. It is a free gift of God, granted only by His grace when you and I come to Jesus Christ in faith and trust. Listen to what the Bible says, “The right standing before God is given through your faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God, all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:21)
When you come to Christ in faith and trust, God treats us as if you never sinned. Not because you never sinned. Of course, we all sinned. But no record of sin to be seen anymore under our names. All got transferred to the account of Jesus Christ. This is how we stand right in the presence of God and obtain matchless peace and free access to God and daily grace and help.

Beloved, the vital question is this – do you know these truths? Do you enjoy peace with God every day? Do you know you stand in the unmerited grace of God? Don’t you want to give thanks and praises to God today? If you are still a religious person seeking God thru obeying the rules and stipulations of religion, come out of the manmade religions and have peace and sweet relationship with God in and through the savior of the world – Jesus Christ.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, I know you granted me the right to stand in your presence. You transferred all my sins to Jesus’s account. I have free access to you and stand in grace today. I praise and thank you. I believe Christ died for my sin and rose again from the dead. I believe Him as my savior and Lord. Thank you for your love and salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.”

The right place to trust!

“Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalm 146:3.

Trust is a very valuable matter. Please be mindful of where you put your trust. Bible consistently warns of the foolishness and danger of trusting in men or even princes of men. Our today’s insights say do not put your trust in princes nor in a son of man. Why? It says “in whom there is no help.” 

Beloved, the true, lasting help, and deliverances come only from the LORD God. Many reasons why people could not help are also illustrated in the ensuing verses of this Psalm. It says, when their spirits depart from them (referring to the frailty and brevity of their life at the moment of death), they return to the grave and all their plans come to an end. 

The psalmist shows an excellent way of living and the right place to trust. He says blessed are those who put their trust in God because He is their sure help and they hope in Him. The LORD God is the maker of heaven and earth. He is the LORD who made the sea, and everything in them. You see His power to really help you is proven by His creative works around you. Take a look at the heavens and innumerable stars and galaxies above you. Take a look at the beauty of the trees, flowers, and crops. Take a look at the vastness of seas and the boundaries God set for them so that it won’t flow to you. 

Secondly, the LORD remains faithful forever. In contrast to the brevity of man or princes of men, He lives forever. Everything around you would change, people come and go, circumstances changes. You see He remains and lives forever and all the time, He is just a prayer away from you to send his help.  

Thirdly, He upholds the cause of the oppressed. You may be suppressed and oppressed by man and princes of man. But remember the LORD upholds the oppressed in His hand. He gives food to the hungry. He gives the ability to work and he distributes food to those who are in need. 

The LORD sets prisoners free. You may be in prison unjust causes and because of your own faults. However, do you know the LORD is powerful enough to set you free from there? 

The LORD gives sight to the blind. Many people cannot see the truth even though they have eyes to see physical matters. But still, they are blind in their hearts and spirits to the truths that can set them free indeed. The LORD sends light to them to see and understand the light of His truth. 

You may have been bowed down with so many things, but do you know He lifts you up? The LORD watches over the foreigners in your land and he sustains the fatherless and the widow. At the same, he frustrates the ways of the wicked. Finally, the Psalmist says, the LORD reigns forever for all generations. You may think your national leader is a great leader. Or you may think your spiritual leader is a great fellow. However, the LORD is the only one who reigns forever for all generations. He appoints people on His earth temporarily for a short period of time to bring justice, fairness, and fulfill His plans and purposes. But remember He reigns forever for all generations and He is the only one who reigns over all generations.  

The Bible says God sends His help when we were helpless, weak, and totally imperfect. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to carry all your sins and shortcomings on his body and be punished in your place. Bible asks this question, “Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” Yes, the one who saved you in your helpless condition, He is your true helper. Therefore trust and hope in Him.