“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). Whatever dream we have for physical healing or flourishing, financial deliverance or success, rescue or freedom from oppression, survival or rising above the elements, a Pre-Tribulational Rapture, or even the salvation of loved ones — Jesus Christ alone “is our hope” (1Timothy 1:1 KJV). If anyone or anything is more valuable than Christ to us, then that is our hope. If Jesus is really worth more than everything to me, do I live that way? Am I waiting for Christ to become more popular? Remember, when everyone realizes this truth, it is too late. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7 KJV).
Christ
Light of the World
Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 KJV). People will react differently to the light. Some will “see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV), while others “loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19 KJV). As part of the Restraining Force of good over evil, the Holy Spirit exerts that influence through His children. Jesus also claimed, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5 KJV). Let us shine God’s light in dark places, attempting to do good, and not further blinding the world with just harsh light in their eyes. Pray for love to accompany the light!
What Is Your Greatest Satisfaction?
What is your greatest satisfaction in life? “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:24 KJV). The LORD had just said that we are not to glory in our wisdom, power, or riches (9:23), because that betrays us as lovers simply of ourselves and not God. Understanding and knowing Yahweh is our highest honor. “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:8-10 KJV). May Paul’s words ring in the understanding of our heart, especially as we face our Jōb moment of why me? It is not just a privilege to serve Him; but, just to know and understand Him is our highest honor! Thank you, LORD!
In His Steps
In His Steps (1896) is a Christian novel by Charles M. Sheldon, which dealt with the age old problem of homelessness. What would Jesus do (WWJD)? The homeless, jobless printer, who died in the presence of the pulpit and congregation of the fictional First Church of Raymond (Kansas), pathetically asked the congregants, What it would be like, if everyone would live out the meaning of the pastor’s text? “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (1Peter 2:21 KJV). Circumstances are different from person to person and from one generation to another generation; but, what would the Holy Spirit have you to do, in your circumstances that would be consistent with the meaning of the text? Remember, we are not attempting to please anyone else’s understanding of the text, not even the homeless printer in Raymond, but God alone. “What wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6 KJV).
Only Those Who Abide in Obedience Have a Right to Claim They Know Him
Only those who abide in obedience have a right to claim they know Him. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1John 2:3-4). If human nature was naturally sinful, then how could anyone rightly claim to walk in obedience? A naturally sinful nature is only an excuse for sinning, not a good explanation. “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth [Greek, hamartanei, sins or is sinning, present tense] hath not seen Him, neither known Him” (1John 3:6 KJV). Whoever is abiding in Christ is not sinning. Whoever is not abiding in Christ is sinning. Whoever is sinning is supernaturally assured in the most forceful language, that person “hath not seen Him, neither known Him” (3:6). God supernaturally chooses not to be known by us, when we are presently sinning. That withholds assurance of salvation from us, while we are in rebellion against Him. The language of the First Epistle of John requires the Holy Spirit to supernaturally teach, interpret, and understand. “But the anointing [Holy Spirit] which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him” (1John 2:27 KJV). May Christ bless all the disciples of His supernatural religion! “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love” (John 15:10 KJV).
Embracing Suffering Doesn’t Mean Rejecting Overcoming
Just because we embrace suffering as God’s way of refining us, teaching us, and magnifying Himself, doesn’t mean we reject overcoming. On the one hand, Christ said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33 KJV). On the other hand, He said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (16:33). On one hand Paul said, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Corinthians 12:9 KJV). On the other hand Paul said, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37 KJV). Initially, Job defended his righteousness about his suffering. In the end, He confessed the Almighty’s rightness to choose, if and when he should suffer. “Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not” (Job 42:3 KJV). Is the Holy Spirit impressing you to suffer or overcome? He can do either. What has He given you to embrace for your circumstance? “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth” (Romans 14:22 KJV).
I Can Do All Things
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). What exactly does that mean? I can do everything God expects of me because I have the supernatural help of Almighty Christ. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). We have the supernatural job of teaching a hell bent world about Christ. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (28:19 KJV). We have the Throne Authority of the Immortal Father, the Sin Conquering Power of the Risen Son, and the ‘You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide’ Targeting Power of the Holy Spirit. That sets our confidence at its highest! Hallelujah!
Keep Hope Alive
Keep hope alive by looking to “Christ Jesus our hope” (1Timothy 1:1 KJV). Hope is that feeling events will turn out for the best. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). Without great expectations, we will not attempt great things for Christ. “However, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. Just look at the great things He has done for you!” (1 Samuel 12:24 NET). When things are darkest, “hope thou in God” (Psalm 42:5, 11 KJV).
We Need A Miracle 