In John 9:2 we see not all suffering is due to personal sin. Some is, and the person who violates God’s moral laws must not be surprised when those moral laws kick back. In Luke 13:2 Jesus points out that calamities can stem from men’s inhumanity to man or from natural accidents like the collapse of a tower, and the people who suffer because of these are not especially sinful. Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Some are just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Basically Jesus is telling us, “Don’t spend too much time trying to understand the reason for suffering. Instead focus on how you deal with it.” Luke 21: 1-13 gives nine sources of suffering that we are not just to bear up under, but use. The worst thing that can happen to a man – crucifixion – turns out to be the best thing that can happen, since it leads to perfection. This is the attitude we must cultivate if we are not only to face but use suffering.
Imminent judgment and destruction is at hand. The only thing delaying it is God’s willingness to provide one more opportunity for faithfulness (Luke 13:8).
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21), a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted (Luke 12:33).
He cannot save himself by his treasure (Job 20:20). A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15).
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread (Job 23:12). So look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:4). In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age (1 Timothy 6:19).
Treasure comes in many shapes and sizes. What do we treasure most?
God’s promises are there for us to dig out and use. Herbert Lockyer, in his book All the Promises of the Bible, informs us that there are over 7000 promises to be mined from the riches of God’s Word. In his collection, Mr. Lockyer “hopes that he has succeeded in marshalling a comprehensive and representative number of the promises which are like an arranged museum of ‘gems and precious stones and pearls’ of inestimable value in God’s cabinet of spiritual jewels, and which constantly remind the Christian of his true, abiding riches. All of these gracious promises deserve to be ‘bound upon our fingers and written upon the table[sic] of our hearts’.”
So I will attempt to bring to this blog a timely promise for living in today’s world. God has shown me many of “His great and precious promises,” and I hope to find a way to share them with you so you may write them on the tablet of your heart.
What better way than to start with the Sermon on the Mount? It is said to be a “Gospel in Miniature”, a synopsis of the teachings of our Great Teacher. May this blog bring you closer to God’s Word; and May God’s Word bring you closer to God’s love for you.
God’s Word is there to direct us in our daily walk. May we all learn to rely on Him.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
The meek shall eat and be satisfied (Psalm 22:26). The meek shall He guide in judgment, the meek will He teach His ways (Psalm 25:9). The Lord lifts up the meek (Psalm 147:6) to save all the meek of the earth (Psalm 76:9); and He beautifies the meek with salvation (Psalm 149:4).
The meek will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord (Isaiah 29:19). I will leave within you the meek and the humble (Zephaniah 3:12). The meek shall inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace (Psalm 37:11).
Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:29).
Meekness is to know our limitations, and at the same time know the greatness of our God.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh (Luke 6:21). Grieve, mourn and wail… Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up (James 4:9-10). Come near to God and He will come near to you (James 4:8).
He has sent me, to announce the year of the Lord’s good will… to comfort all those who grieve. (Isaiah 61:2). I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them. I will give them joy in place of their sorrow (Jeremiah 31:13).
My people have been lost sheep (Jeremiah 50:6). Go to the lost sheep… As you go, spread this message: The kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 10:6-7).
What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short (1 Corinthians 7:29).
We are to mourn those who are still lost. None should be denied the choice.
Blessed are the poor in spirit – for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3). How happy are those who know their need for God, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs! (Phillips)
A poor man pleads for mercy (Proverbs 18:23). The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the Lord will praise Him (Psalm 22:26). This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles (Psalm 34:6).
From Your bounty, O God, You provided for the poor (Psalm 68:10). He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor (Psalm 112:9).
Yet I am poor and needy, may the Lord think of me (Psalm 40:17).
Many of us are addicted to something. My sister is addicted to worrying. If she doesn’t have something to worry about today, she feels like there is no reason for her to be breathing today. I know a woman who constantly fears: she is afraid her house will burn down while she’s sleeping, or her children will get into a serious accident, or her dog will mess up the carpet while she’s gone. I personally am addicted to judging others: the way they drive, the way they handle their children, the way they speak at meetings – as if I do any better and any of these things. Worry, fear, anger, judgment, mockery, to say nothing of drugs or alcohol or gambling – there are so many things in this world that we can be addicted to. The point is – you and I are not made for this world! So we don’t have to be addicted to anything. The Lord Jesus came to save us from such things, and to give us a better life to live than what the world says we are supposed to want and have and strive to attain. The verses included here are meant to help us reach above our addictions and trust in Jesus to save us from our personal sins. To give us encouragement to strive for the life Our Father wants for us.
Lead me beside peaceful waters, Lord. Please keep my soul quiet and listening to You.
Heavenly Father, I battle the addiction to _____ in my life. I believe You are more powerful than any addiction, and I believe You are able to deliver me. You have revealed Your truth to me through Your Word (John 17:17), and I believe Your promise which tells me that I shall know the truth, and the truth will set me free (John 8:32). I also believe that since Christ Jesus sets me free I am free indeed (John 8:36). Therefore I seek Your deliverance and I express faith in You that You will bring it to pass in my life. So I pray.
Father, I realize my addiction is a sin, and I confess it to You now. Thank You for Your promise that assures me that when I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me my sins, and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) by simply asking You. I gratefully receive Your forgiveness and cleansing now as I repent of my sinful addiction. Gracious God, I will stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ Jesus has set me free, and I ask for Your Spirit to help me stand firm and to never again be entangled with the yoke of bondage that addiction brings (Galatians 5:1).
Father, I praise You that the law of the Spirit of life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). I surrender my life to You entirely, completely, wholly, because You have freed me from my sin. From now on, I wish to be Your servant, O Almighty God, and I want so to enjoy Your fruit in my life unto holiness, and I know I have already received everlasting life (Romans 6:22). Thank You, Father, for giving me continuing power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. I now know that nothing shall by any means hurt me (Luke 10:19). I also know no weapon formed against me shall prosper, because this is my heritage as Your servant (Isaiah 54:17). Thank You, for complete and total deliverance and freedom from the addiction that used to come between me and You.
Father, I believe You Word. You have not forgotten one word of Your promise; You are a covenant keeping God (1 Kings 8:56). It is You who will bring me out from under the yoke of bondage and free me from being a slave to _____ (Deuteronomy 26:8). Father, I ask You to keep me dedicated to this vow to stay free in You. I thank You that You are able to keep that which I commit unto You (2 Timothy 1:12).
I will be strong and of good courage and do the work; I will not fear nor be discouraged, for You, my God, are with me. You won’t leave me or forsake me until all the work is finished (1 Chronicles 28:20). Apart from You I can do nothing (John 15:5). But with You – we can do all things!
I am confident of this: God began a good work in me and will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). God raised me from the dead along with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). I need neither to fear nor worry; I simply need to concentrate on being completely devoted to Jesus in my heart (1 Peter 3:14-15).
I bless You, O Lord. All that is within me blesses You and Your holy name. I will not forget all Your benefits to me. You have forgiven me all my iniquities, and healed all my sicknesses. You have redeemed my life from destruction, and You have crowned me with love and compassion, and tender mercies. You are my satisfaction, O gracious and generous Father (Psalm 103:1-5)!
God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdict oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost, not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God; how eager we are to run under Your wings, to eat our fill at the banquet You spread as You fill our tankards with Eden spring water. You’re a fountain of cascading light, and You open our eyes to light. (Psalm 36:5-9 The Message)
To You, O my Lord, I lift up my soul; in You, O my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemy triumph over me (Psalm 25:1-2). Guard my life and rescue me, O Lord my God. Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because all my hope is in You alone (Psalm 25:20-21).
Under stormy conditions, that is when we shine God’s love the best.
Lord God, You assure me that though a mother could maybe forget her child, You will absolutely never forget me. You have engraved my name on the palms of Your hands (Isaiah 49:15-16). How precious concerning me are Your thoughts, O God my Father! How vast the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17) The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him. He also will hear their cry and save them (Psalm 145:18-19).
So I will be still and know You are God. You, O Lord Almighty, are with me; You, O God of Jacob, are my Fortress (Psalm 46:10-11). I will hide in the shelter of Your wings until this disaster has passed (Psalm 57:1). Do not be far from me, O Lord my God, for trouble is near and there is no one else to help (Psalm 22:11). I will strive to keep my ways pleasing to You, my Lord, for then You make even my enemies to be at peace with me (Proverbs 16:7).
Lord Jesus, You have given to me Your peace, Your own peace You have bequeathed to me. It is not the peace that the world gives. I will not let my heart be troubled neither will I let it be afraid (John 14:27). Your peace will keep my thoughts and my heart quiet and at rest as I trust in You. So I refuse to be agitated, and I will not permit myself to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. Instead of worrying, I will pray. I will let petitions and praises shape my worries into prayers letting You, Lord God, know my concerns, and then not forgetting to thank You for the answers. (Philippians 4:6-7).
I will not be afraid or discouraged… for the Lord is with me (2 Chronicles 20:17). I will notbe afraid but I will remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord! (Nehemiah 4:14). Because God is with me, I will be strong and very courageous. I will not be terrified, nor will I be discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:7, 9). He has promised.
I do not let my heart be troubled. I trust in God, I trust also in my Lord Jesus (John 14:1). God has put a hedge around me and my family, and my house, and everything I have and all I have inherited through His kindnesses. God blesses the work of my hands because I keep His commandments (Job 1:10). I refuse to worry about anything. God is on my side. God is in me now. Who can be against me and win? (Romans 8:31)
I let the peace of Christ Jesus rule in my heart, since as a member of His body I was called to peace. And I am thankful and praiseful. I refuse to worry about anything. (Colossians 3:15). The peace that surpasses all understanding keeps my heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
I am convinced nothing can separate me from God’s love: death can’t, life can’t; angels nor demons can’t; fears for the day nor worries about tomorrow, nor even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away from me. Whether I am high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from the love of God that is revealed through Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
I am confident of this: He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ return (Philippians 1:6). For God the Father raised me from the dead along with Christ Jesus, and I am seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms — all because I believe in and am one with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). I need neither to fear men’s treats nor worry about them; I simply need to concentrate on being completely devoted to Christ in my heart (1 Peter 3:14-15 Phillips).
You, dearest God, keep me in perfect peace, for my mind is steadfast, trusting in You (Isaiah 26:3). I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). Lord God, help me to remember You when I go to bed (Psalm 63:6). Please occupy my thoughts through the watches of the night, because when my mind is on You I don’t worry about other things.
I will be strong and of good courage and do the work; I will not fear nor be discouraged, for You, my God, are with me. You won’t leave me or forsake me until all the work is finished (1 Chronicles 28:20). Apart from You I can do nothing (John 15:5). But with You – we can do all things!
Father, when all other things have passed away, three things will remain: faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Help me prioritize my day by the things that will always remain. And, dear Lord God, please help me not to allow the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, or the desires for other things to come in and choke Your Word, making it unfruitful in my life (Mark 4:19).
Father, I thank You that I have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of Your dearly loved Son (Colossians 1:13). I commit to live free from worry, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). I humble myself under Your mighty hand that in due time You may exalt me. I cast the whole of my cares – all my anxieties _____, all my worries _____, all my concerns _____ – on You, since You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Don’t let worry block your light.
Heavenly Father, Your Word says to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4), and not to be anxious about anything. But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, to present any requests to You. Then Your peace, which transcends all my understanding, will guard my heart and mind – as long as I keep them both fixed on Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Your Word assures me that You, O Lord, are good, a refuge in times of trouble, and You care for those who trust in You (Nahum 1:7). You also invite me to cast all my worries on You (Psalm 55:22). I know You will not forsake me (Isaiah 42:16). I will trust in You, O Lord; I will thankfully say, “You are my God; my times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:14-15).
Father, I cast down my bad imaginations and every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of You. Please teach me to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5). Thank You for guarding me and promising to keep me in perfect peace. Please teach me how to keep my mind stayed on You; I commit myself to You, my Lord; I lean on You, and I hope confidently in You (Isaiah 26:3).
I willingly lay aside the sin of worry that so easily entangles me (Hebrews 12:1). Instead, things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, if they be of good report or have any good virtue, or are praiseworthy, I will think on these things (Philippians 4:8). I strongly force myself to not let my heart be troubled (John 14:1). I abide in Your Word, and Your words abide in me. Therefore I will not forget what manner of person I am. I look unto Your perfect law of liberty and continue to do so, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the Word and thus I will be blessed in my doing (James 1:22-25). I thank You, Father, that You are able to keep that which I commit unto You (2 Timothy 1:12).
Father God, forgive me for worrying; I know I don’t have to bear my burdens alone. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for inviting me to come unto You, and for Your wonderful promise of rest (Matthew 11:28). Please teach me, Lord Jesus, and help me to take up Your yolk and to learn from You; for You are gentle and humble in heart, and I can find rest for my soul in You (Matthew 11:29). I gratefully receive Your peaceful rest as I lay down my burdens and worries at your throne.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You, O Lord, preserve my life. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes; with Your right hand You save me (Psalm 138:7). You, O Lord, are my shepherd; I have everything I need. You let me rest in green meadows; You lead me beside peaceful streams. You renew my strength. You guide me along right paths, so You can bring honor to Your name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil; my cup overflows with blessings. Please allow Your goodness and unfailing love to pursue me all the days of my life, and I will gladly live in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:1-6).
Lord God, Your Word assures me that nothing shall be able to separate me from Your love, which is in Christ Jesus, my Redeemer (Romans 8:38-39). You have promised to supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19), and I know You know all my needs even before I tell them to You (Matthew 6:8). Father, Your perfect love casts out all my fears and worries (1 John 4:18). In fact, You have commanded me not to worry, because it is Your good pleasure to give me Your kingdom (Luke 12:32). The great and precious promises of Your Word thrill me, O gracious Father (2 Peter 1:4). I praise You for taking all my worries.
Lord God, I have the assurance of Your Word that You, the Great God of All Grace, who called me to Your eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after I have suffered a little while, will Yourself restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10). You, O Lord, love me with an everlasting love; You have drawn me with loving-kindness. You will build me up again, and I will be rebuilt. I will take up my tambourine and go out to dance with the joyful ones (Jeremiah 31:3-4).
Lord, I do not understand why You have allowed this trouble to assail me. It was after I began to follow You in obedience that this trouble was manifested in my life. I have exhausted all my possibilities for changing my situation and circumstances, and have found that I am powerless to change anything. I believe in You; help me overcome my unbelief (Mark 9:24). Not all things are possible with man, but I know all things are possible with You (Mark 10:27). I humble myself under Your mighty hand, knowing You will lift me up (1 Peter 5:6).
Trust God; He has promised to direct you out of or around your troubles.
Thank You, Father, for this trial of my faith which I recognize to be more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7). Through prayer I know I am able to rise out of my discouragement. Therefore in everything – including these troubling circumstances – by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I will let my requests be made unto You (Philippians 4:6).
Father God, You tell me: Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged (1 Chronicles 22:13). You say to me: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). And so, I rejoice! And I pray You will strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
Father, I seek Your peace and encouragement, because I know Your peace surpasses all understanding, and it will keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians4:7). So, though I walk in the midst of trouble and discouragement, I know You will revive me, Lord. I humbly ask for You to stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemy [the devil, for all troubles can be traced back to him], and I know Your right hand will save me (Psalm 138:7).
Through Your grace I refuse to cast away the confidence You have imparted to me (Hebrews 10:35). I know You will continue Your workmanship in my life until Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). In place of my discouragement, as I pray, I will be strong and take heart, because I continue to hope in You (Psalm 31:24). You have told me that Your thoughts and plans are for my welfare and peace (Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore, I will keep my mind stayed on You (Isaiah 26:3), then I can stop allowing myself to be agitated and disturbed and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled (John 14:27).
I have a great High Priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus, Your Son, and I hold firmly to the faith I profess in Him. He was tempted in every way, just as I am; yet, was without sin (Hebrews 4:14-15). Because of Jesus, and what Jesus had done for me, I approach Your throne of grace with confidence so I may receive mercy and find grace to help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Father, what You have promised I will go and possess (Judges 11:24), in the name of Jesus. I will take hold of the eternal life to which I have been called when I made my good confession; to get back into the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). With the guidance of Your Spirit, I will throw off any sin that easily entangles, and will run with endurance the race You mark out for me (Hebrews 12:1). I am more than a conqueror through Jesus who loves me (Romans 8:37).
Please teach me Your ways, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path [though I know it won’t be an easy one]. I will wait upon You; I will be strong and take heart, and I will wait on You (Psalm 27:11, 14). I will proudly say, O God, You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I will trust (Psalm 91:2). I rejoice in the encouragement Your Word brings to me, O Heavenly Father.
God's Word on That 