‘Trust’
(NLT)Psalm 11:1-7
I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! [2] The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. [3] The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” [4] But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. [5] The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. [6] He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. [7] For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
Yes, satan is out to destroy you. It’s what he does. He kills, steals and destroys. What will you do? Will you run? Hide? Cower in a corner?
Read the first part of verse 4 again. [4] But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven.
Today proclaim with the Psalmist, “I choose to trust the one who rules from Heaven.”
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
No Comments »
(NLT) Acts 20:21
I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike-the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
(NLT) Psalm 37:3
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Today, be sure you are trusting in Christ, but also do good. We are not to continue in the old way of life.
(NLT) 2 Corinthians 5:17
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.
No Comments »
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20
We visited this passage a couple weeks ago. I want to take a different approach today.
Imagine you and three others carried a friend to Jesus and there was no room for you. So, you and your determined pals climb up on the roof hauling your parapeligic compadre. You dig a hole in the roof and lower him down. This is no easy task these guys pulled off.
After all that work you hear the master say, “Your sins are forgiven.” Wait a minute. We were looking for healing.
We are so attached to this physical life we often miss the importance of the spiritual. Sometimes our heavenly Father is doing something so much bigger than physical healing. Sometimes the paralyzing events in life free us to become what God truly desires for us.
I thank God that Jesus did heal that young man because in doing so He showed He has power to forgive. (Vs 24)
Sometimes He doesn’t heal. Then He says, “My grace is sufficient.”
Today carry your friends to Jesus but trust Him with the outcome. Trust Him to do what is truly best.
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.
No Comments »
Eph 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Eph 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
1Jn 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1Jn 4:10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
There is a comedian who uses the statement, “Put a helmet on!” as a way of poking fun at people who do or say silly things.” Truth is we all get silly if we listen to the lies of Satan and let them take control of our thoughts. So God has provided a Helmet of Salvation for us.
One of the biggest things Satan uses in his relentless attacks is a simple question, “Hath God Said?” Then he continues by trying to explain away what God “hath said”.
This is why the Helmet of Salvation is so very important. Rom 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
The Helmet of Salvation is the truth that God is who He says He is and that He loves us and that we are His children if we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
Some trial comes into our lives and Satan is right there saying, “If God really loved you…” That is when you had better have that Helmet of Salvation on. Here is a good and simple way to put it on right now if you haven’t already done so today.
Sing it with me…
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so
A child’s song? Really, Brother Steve? Yes a child’s song with the most precious and powerful message ever proclaimed. Sing it until you believe it so much that no matter what comes into your life you truly believe that God loves you and that He will work all things together for your good. Rom 8:28.
Today sing it, believe it and share it.
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.
No Comments »
I don’t use snopes. I use truthorfiction.com. However, when it comes to truth there is really only one we can fully rely on, that person being Jesus Christ. After all He is the way, the truth and the life.
Most of this stuff that gets sent out over the internet as a BIG WARNING is hype. Truth is Christ promised we would have trouble in this world and along with that promise came this encouragement, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Further more, many types of emails that go out with, “if you care let all your friends know” plastered on them are meant to spread fear. Jesus said, “(NLT) Matthew 10:28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” We are also told in 2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Other such emails are sent to make us angry about something. Eph 4:26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, Eph 4:27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Eph 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
Here’s another one. “If you love Jesus you will send this to 10 people in the next 30 seconds.” My love for Jesus is not measured in the emails I send. It is measured in whether I’m keeping His commands. Some wishy washy email that only speaks of God’s love but says nothing of His justice and the need for repentance is only going to spread a false sense of security to people who are already complacent in their relationship with God almighty. You want to show Jesus you love Him? Push away from your computer, come out of hiding and love some real people you can see. Share with them the Gospel. Share your food and clothes with them. Visit the nursing home, the hospital and the jail. Go out into the streets and talk to some homeless folks. Give a smile to the check out clerk at the store who is moving a little slow. Say, “God Bless You!”, instead of griping how long they took. Show the love of God.
So, Truth is, I ignore a lot of these forwarded emails. Yes, I hit delete without even opening them. Father, God can be trusted. Pray, write your congressmen and senators, but speak with grace and truth, not bitterness and anger. Share your faith with people face to face.
Feel free to save this and send it to those people who insist on filling your inbox with all their fears, guilt trips and rants. Or you can delete it. There are no miracles waiting to happen one way or the other as a result, except that some may find you unreasonable in your trust of almighty God and may remove you from their spam list.
Oh, one more thing, please don’t send me those forwarded emails. Someone will no doubt write me and say, “But you like getting jokes, don’t you?” Yes, yes I do. Pro 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. So send on the good CLEAN jokes.
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.
No Comments »
(NLT) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. [2] For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. [3] When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. [4] But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. [5] For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. [6] So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. [7] Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. [8] But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. [9] For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. [10] Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. [11] So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
There are many scary things taking place these days. Numerous times I’ve heard, “Is the oil leak in the gulf a sign of the end?”
My answer: Well, if it is are you ready for the end?
Does it frighten you to the point you can’t function?
Or are you protected by the armor of faith & love?
Do you have the confidence that God, who has promised life to those believe in Him, is faithful?
Today live in the light as He is in the light.
(NLT) 1 John 1:5
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.
He is faithful and He can be trusted. Believe.
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
No Comments »
Psalm 62:1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. 3 So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. 4 They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me.They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. Interlude 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
Heavenly Father, we all have our enemies. Some of us are in the thick of battle right now. You alone can grant victory. Remind us today to wait in confidence for You. Grant us ears that hear clearly the voice of Your Holy Spirit, our comforter.
Help us remember that You are our refuge and not our own designs and plans.
Thank You that we can trust You for power belongs to You. Psalm 62:11 God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you; 12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.
Thank You that our sin is under the blood of Your Son. Those who refuse to receive Him as Lord will see Your wrath on the day of Judgment. We pray for their repentance, and Your protection for us in the mean time.
On You we will wait with quiet confidence in the comfort of Your promises.
In Christ Jesus,
AMEN!
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
2 Comments »
2 Corinthians 1:18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” 19 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. 20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
Here is vs 22 in the NKJV 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Think about this. We are identified as His. “I’m a child of the king”. Say that about three times slowly. Now find someone to share that with. You are a child of the King, a child of God almighty. That’s what the seal is about in the NKJV. It also means that we are sealed.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
And the Holy Spirit is the Guarantee that all God’s promises will come to pass.
Signed, Sealed and delivery is on the way. HALELLUJAH!!!
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
No Comments »
2 Corinthians 1:18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” 19 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. 20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
Have you ever anticipated or at least hoped for a victory and when it arrived you caught yourself shouting, “YES!” Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all our holy anticipation. He is the fulfillment of all the Father’s promises. Because of Him our sins are forgiven, we are made whole in God’s sight, we are given life, we are empowered to do the work of the kingdom, and we have a place with Him for all eternity. Because of Him we escape the torments of hell and eternal damnation.
We are told to pray in His name because all our hope, peace, joy and consolation is in Him.
Today, think on Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, prince of Peace, Savior and your Friend. Then talk to Father on the authority of His Son in Whom He is well pleased. And then anticipate answers to your prayers based on Jesus Christ the Yes and AMEN!
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
1 Comment »
2 Corinthians 1:18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” 19 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. 20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
Asked when they thought Christ would return a member of the third grade Sunday School class said, “I believe it will be a Monday.” The teacher asked the student to explain her answer. She said, “The Bible says ‘the Son of man will return on a day that man thinketh,’ and nobody thinks on Monday.”
It’s Monday. Are you thinking? Give a few moments to think on our passage today. God fulfilled His promises in sending Jesus Christ who completed all He came to do. Then He put His stamp or seal on us through filling us with His Holy Spirit. Also, in the strength of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to stand firm and to fulfill the commission He has given us.
He is our all in all. Oh yeah, with the Seal of the Holy Spirit came an identity. We are identified as belonging to Him.
Wow! There is a lot in those few verses. Lord willing, we will take a closer look at them this week. For today think especially on this, “I am marked as a child of the Most High God!”
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
No Comments »
|
