Month: October 2018

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips” (Luke 4:22).

“They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority” (Luke 4:32).

I’m reading through the gospels and I noticed that Luke mentions often how the people were astonished or amazed at Jesus’ miracles and teachings. I’m reading the words He spoke to the people 2000 years ago and I had to ask myself, “Am I amazed at His teachings and miracles?” I had to admit I’m often unaffected by what I read. Sometimes I read when I’m tired or distracted by other things and I don’t allow the Word to speak to my soul.  It’s hard to find those moments when I can fully give attention to the Word, but I must. I must read with fresh eyes and open heart. I must be amazed and astonished at the teachings and work of Jesus! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Jesus is at work today. The Creator of the universe is present with me and has promised to never leave me. In their song, Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory, Joe Beck and Carl Cartee remind me that all creation sings to the honor of His Name. Don’t let me miss the glory of Jesus’ teachings.

What is most amazing is that God planned for Jesus to suffer a cruel death He didn’t deserve, so I could be saved from punishment I deserved. Not only that.  He’s preparing a place where I can be with Him forever in the joys of heaven.  That will truly be a life of amazement!

Thank you, God, for your amazing love and grace!

 

 

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:19-23).

I visited the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter last week. My older daughter and I took a break to do something special. We’re glad we did. Seeing the size of the ark reminded me of the great faith Noah must have had to persevere in such an undertaking. Viewing the scenes and presentations at the Creation Museum as well as those at the ark gives one a strong basis for a Biblical worldview.

We live in a culture where a Biblical worldview is often ridiculed or ignored. I think sometimes we, who live with a Biblical view of things, are intimidated by the loud voices of those who do not.  Noah wasn’t intimidated by those who chose not to believe a flood would destroy them. His faith and confidence was in God. Ours can be, too. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus’ death opened the way for us to be pure and clean in order to enter the Most Holy Place, the place where God dwells. Jesus is our great high priest and He is the way to the Father. He is faithful and we can have confidence and assurance in our walk with Him. I think this confidence and assurance should also give us boldness in the workings of our government.

As we hold on to the hope we profess, let us use our voices to boldly proclaim the truth. Stand up for Biblical truth. Pray for our government leaders. Write letters to the newspaper editor and phone or send emails to our senators and representatives. Let them know where we stand on issues of today and find out where they stand as well. Then vote accordingly on November 6.