The Promise Is Sure!

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. - John 14:3 KJV

One of the promises God has given us through His Son, Jesus Christ is eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3:16 KJV. This eternal life will be with Him in heaven. To assure us of this, Jesus said, He will go and prepare a place for us. Not only will He prepare a place for us, but He will come again and receive us unto Himself.

As they were straining their eyes for another glimpse, suddenly two white-robed men were standing there among them, and said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has gone away to heaven, and some day, just as he went, he will return!” Acts 1:11 TLB.

Even the angels confirmed to the disciples that one day Jesus will return. What is He coming back to do? He is coming back to receive us, His people unto Himself, that where He is, there we will be also. Hallelujah! Isn’t this exciting? I hope this excites you as much as it excites me. We can look forward to the fulfilment of this promise because we know that God keeps His promises.

Timothy and Silvanus and I have been telling you about Jesus Christ the Son of God. He isn’t one to say yes when he means no. He always does exactly what he says. He carries out and fulfills all of God’s promises, no matter how many of them there are; and we have told everyone how faithful he is, giving glory to his name, 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 TLB.

Hold on to the promises of God, be encourage, be comforted, for He who promised is faithful to fulfil His promises. One day Jesus will return for you and I, and we will be with Him forever!

Are YOU Feeling Unqualified?

“I replied, the God of heaven will help us succeed. We His servants will start rebuilding this wall.”  Nehemiah chapter 2:20

With its walls torn down, Jerusalem was defenseless against her enemies. So Nehemiah assembled a team to rebuild the walls. He had no training for this job. He wasn't an architect or a builder. Jerusalem was far away and he had never been there. Any way you look at it, he was unqualified for the job.

That's a common denominator with many of the people God has used in a remarkable way. Noah was a farmer called to build a boat in the desert. David was a shepherd called to topple a Philistine champion and sit as king over God’s people. Nehemiah was a cupbearer called to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. When it comes to doing God's will, God ordained passions are considerably more important than any human ability we can contribute. In fact, God often uses us at our point of greatest inability. That way He receives all the credit.

But understand this, when God gives you a “burden” or a “passion” or a “vision”, you have a choice to make. Nehemiah already had a good job. Being the king's cupbearer was like being his right hand man. He didn't simply enjoy job security; he enjoyed the perks and privileges of his position. He would have been comfortable staying right where he was. But if he had chosen to do that, he would have missed God's will, missed having a book named after him in the Bible, and you wouldn't be reading about him right now. Are you feeling unqualified? Who told you your weren’t qualified or you needed more to do what God has called you to do? When God calls you, He equips you, resources you, guides you, and guarantees your success.

This is a valuable lesson I’ve learned on my journey. When God call you, no one can un-call you…not even you. Everything you need, you already have. Some are already in your hand. And others, God will provide along the way as the need presents itself. Moses had a rod, David a harp and a slingshot. Joseph was given dreams and Esther had beauty and God’s favor. Don’t talk about Noah, Abraham, Joshua, Yeshua and the disciples, who had nothing but willingness and obedience. So, tell me, what do they have that you don’t?

Stand Firm

“There was also a man who used to prophesy…against this city and against this land words similar to all those of Jeremiah…the king sought to put him to death; but Uriah…was afraid, so he fled and went to Egypt.” - Jeremiah 26:20–21 NASB

God called Uriah to deliver His words, but the message was not what people wanted to hear. The Bible compares Uriah’s words with those spoken by Jeremiah. Both prophets obeyed God and experienced rejection, and the leaders of Judah sought to have them killed.

Jeremiah would not compromise. He stood firm, refused to run, continued to stand strong, and depended on God. As a result, God blessed and protected him.

But Uriah did not have the courage, faith, or commitment to face opposition. He gave in to fear. Instead of trusting in God, he decided to run away to Egypt. Yet there was no safety or security for him there; he was found and brought back to Judah, where he was put to death.

Will you stand firm like Jeremiah, or run away like Uriah?

Many Christians are like Uriah. God has a call on their lives, but they’re so concerned about others’ reactions that they compromise or back down when criticized. They cave in to pressure or run away. But God wants us to be like Jeremiah…faithful, resolute, and uncompromising.

Renew your faith in God and your commitment to fulfill His call on your life. Don’t give in to fear, doubt, or anxiety. Instead, remain strong, focused, and uncompromising.

Trust in God, and keep your eyes fixed on Him. Make Him your Shield, Protector, and Defender. Don’t be afraid to take a bold stand for the Gospel.

Father, give me the boldness to stand for You. Keep me from compromising. I believe that You will take care of me. I depend on You! In Yeshua’s Name, Amen.