Lately I’ve been reading from the Old Testament, as I decided that I wanted to read the Bible from page one through to the end again. Right now I’m in the book of Judges.
Several things stand out in those early books - first, how powerful and caring that GOD is...
GOD wanted companion followers to enjoy the wonderful things HE is able to create.
Another thing that jumps out at me is that GOD always called normal, typical people to serve HIM... there aren't any special qualifications required in order to follow HIM.
But the main thing that stands out to me is how much GOD loves HIS people. Time and time again people let GOD down and yet HE has always been faithful to forgive them and restore them. GOD wants our fellowship.
GOD’s people promise to follow HIM and worship HIM instead of going after all of the things of self gratification that look good to the eye, but that don’t feed the soul.
Then as time rocks along HIS people forget and forsake GOD once more.
The human condition is complicated and far from perfect, and GOD knows the struggles we have…
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-- Jesus the Son of God-- let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Heb 4:14-16 CSB)
I’ve known people who have said that GOD would never forgive the sins they’ve committed… they've done too many bad things for too long. Well that just isn’t true… the story of the BIBLE, Old Testament and New, is that GOD wants to forgive people so they can fellowship with HIM and share in the glories of everything HE has created, while on earth and especially someday with HIM in heaven.
Don’t give up on yourself...GOD hasn’t…. HE’s always looking for you.
So He told them this parable: "What man among you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it?
When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!'
I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance. (Luk 15:3-7 CSB)
Just call out to GOD in prayer, read HIS word, and HE will heal the relationship.
The LORD is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them. (Psa 145:18-19 CSB)
No one said the journey would be easy…. But it sure is worth it!!!
Blessings until next time,
Paul.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Several things stand out in those early books - first, how powerful and caring that GOD is...
GOD wanted companion followers to enjoy the wonderful things HE is able to create.
Another thing that jumps out at me is that GOD always called normal, typical people to serve HIM... there aren't any special qualifications required in order to follow HIM.
But the main thing that stands out to me is how much GOD loves HIS people. Time and time again people let GOD down and yet HE has always been faithful to forgive them and restore them. GOD wants our fellowship.
GOD’s people promise to follow HIM and worship HIM instead of going after all of the things of self gratification that look good to the eye, but that don’t feed the soul.
Then as time rocks along HIS people forget and forsake GOD once more.
The human condition is complicated and far from perfect, and GOD knows the struggles we have…
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-- Jesus the Son of God-- let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Heb 4:14-16 CSB)
I’ve known people who have said that GOD would never forgive the sins they’ve committed… they've done too many bad things for too long. Well that just isn’t true… the story of the BIBLE, Old Testament and New, is that GOD wants to forgive people so they can fellowship with HIM and share in the glories of everything HE has created, while on earth and especially someday with HIM in heaven.
Don’t give up on yourself...GOD hasn’t…. HE’s always looking for you.
So He told them this parable: "What man among you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it?
When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!'
I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance. (Luk 15:3-7 CSB)
Just call out to GOD in prayer, read HIS word, and HE will heal the relationship.
The LORD is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them. (Psa 145:18-19 CSB)
No one said the journey would be easy…. But it sure is worth it!!!
Blessings until next time,
Paul.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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