God cares for His own and we can be confident in that.
In my mind my wife and I experienced that during our return from a recent trip. Needing to be home at a certain time there were at least 4 roadblocks to face any one of which would have prevented our achieving our desired result. In each case something happened helping us out which I believe showed God’s hand in our trip.
When we commit to God we have every reason to be optimistic no matter what is happening around us as we have the assurance that Heaven awaits us. We know this first and foremost because Christ Himself promised it (John 10:28-30). We know and feel this when we receive the Holy Spirit Who with our spirit guides and protects our lives (Romans 8:15-16). Of this we can be absolutely assured (Romans 8:33-39). No matter the insanity of the world around us which we must still witness to, we can take comfort in God’s promises and presence.
The key is we have to accept Christ as our Savior (Romans 10:9-10). As much discomfort as this may cause others who are not Christian it is the truth. In the name of Christ alone is salvation. Knowing this or having this relationship gives me an inner peace and joy that is almost indescribable (Philippians 4:7). This peace and joy is a part of a new nature we take on (2 Corinthians 5:17) which is described in detail in 1 John 3:14-22.
What happens when we have this new nature is that we believe in God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13) and know it to be the one and only absolute truth. Others may claim to have found truth but it stands empty next to the truth we have.
In our lives what now happens is that we begin to desire spiritual things (1 Peter 2:2) which will help us grow into His image. How this happens are found in the wonderful words of 2 Peter 1:5-11 and growing in grace we will have found victory over the world (1 John 5:4-5).
Your name will be WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Accepting Christ fully we are absolutely assured of a place in Heaven.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Assurance of Heaven changes our nature”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for Your assurance.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- How does one receive the Holy Spirit?
- Do you have the ‘blessed assurance’ we often sing about?
- Have you taken on the new nature and how has that changed you?
- Is your nature changing as described in 2 Peter 1:5-11?
*** Gary Jerke *** Is a former State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
