Stand in the Gap

God doesn’t look at the outward appearance of a person. God sees the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) A relationship with Christ transforms us from the inside out and changes everything.

‘So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord–who is the Spirit–makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (continue reading…)

Some people with whom I have spoken lately state that they have decided not to remain Christians because they want to be free, to be in control of their own lives with no restrictions. They want to do what they want when they want without the restrictions of God’s rules. Often, all they mean to say is they want the freedom to sin. They do not realize they are indeed slaves. They are slaves to sin and the devil, trapped by their own evil desires. Because the basis for God’s laws are actually for our own well-being, to ignore them usually brings consequences leading to punishment and/or misery. These people are yearning for freedom, yet have become trapped in a prison of their own making, finding that the world’s “freedom” is actually freedom to become miserable. (continue reading…)

“So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19

What a wonderful miracle this is, Jesus offering His peace to the disciples. These were the same men who scattered and hid in fear for their lives when Jesus was arrested. The same ones who denied knowing Him, one who even doubted until he actually felt the wounds in Jesus side. And that same peace is available to us today. (continue reading…)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-31

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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

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Worry and stress seem to be an epidemic in these uncertain days. But it is not God’s plan that any of His children live in fear this way. Jesus told us not to worry about anything, but instead pray about everything. Instead of dwelling on your problems today, look up at the Cross and find hope and peace in Him. (continue reading…)

Micah foretells of Christ’s birth in Micah 5. He names Bethlehem as the city of the Messiah’s birth and tells of His strength and majesty. Then, Micah makes one profound statement in Verse 5:

“And He will be the source of peace.”

Jesus himself, speaks to us about this same gift of peace:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27.

We have no need to fear the future. We have no reason to be stressed by anything daily life throws at us. Our real life is hidden with Christ in God. Jesus Christ has overcome this world! Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.

Praise be to God!

It is so easy to forget that everything under the sun belongs to God! It is always such a sobering thought to realize that any wealth or material possessions we have acquired will be meaningless to us once we are in the grave. And all of our achievements or position in society we might enjoy are here today and gone tomorrow.