It should be every Bible-believing Christian’s desire for the Bible to be more real than the words you believe to be coming out of your own mouth. This sounds illogical, of course, but our logic has never been a pre-requisite for God’s truth. It doesn’t need your or I to qualify it. That fact seems to be the hardest thing for many non-believers to get past. Moving beyond the vain babbling and inane debates that Christians find themselves foolishly trapped in, all we’re left with is the Word of the true and living God. That’s it, and that’s all that’s needed. So, I welcome the opportunity to express even a minute awareness and understanding of His glory, revealed to me through His Word, and manifested in my daily walk.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me, ye might have peace, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
There is something so profound and triumphant about how the last phrase touches me so deeply. A consistent meditation would bring me to tears in minutes. When asked, I always say John 16:33 is my favorite verse. I believe it’s because life is a relentless shape-shifting monster, and Jesus is telling us that he understands how “real” life can be. It will be hard, and it will be merciless at times. But he starts first with the good news that in him, you will have peace. It is there for you. All you have to do is receive it, and believe it. Don’t let your mind make an excuse for why you can’t or shouldn’t believe it. Just do it. Be as he says, “of good cheer”. He has defeated this monster. Your battle is already won, when you’re in Christ.
Obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable to you.
Hebrew 13:17
This verse comes to mind particularly in the political climate that Americans are living in. It’s been avenomous decade in politics. In my short life, I’ve never seen such hatred and blind fury thrown back and forth. Unto to this day, I believe we’ve been de-sensitized, numbing our respect and reverence for our leaders., especially the Office of the Presidency. And all those that swear to be God-fearing conservatives need to remember that God is sovereign. In his sovereignty, he’s allowed this individual to lead this country at this time. If you can’t honor the president, honor God’s Word-“submit yourselves”. I believe it’s true, many of them would rather do damage to themselves and the American people, before they respect the president.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (or love), I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (or love), it profiteth me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2-3
This is commonly thought of as one of the most beautiful and eloquent expressions of what true love isn’t. Not just for the Christian, but for everyone. I love this scripture, because it exposes everything we like to hold onto to, and puff our chests about concerning our expressions of love. Everyone can relate to how we pat ourselves on the back for the “things”. It’s as if we’re purchasing our right to be considered “good” or “holy”, when we can do or have all that without have sincere love for a single soul. And to clear up any confusion you may have, Paul basically writes that even if you give your life to be burned, if you did it without love, you get no more credit for that. I take from it, there’s nothing you can do to be loving, other than love.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come night thee.
Psalms 91:7
In a world where terror attacks can happen to anyone at any time, the significance and the peace that can be found in this verse is obvious. Once again, I urge all believers to not doubt, but just allow his truth to be The Truth. Life does not have you terrorized and under siege. This should be coupled with the knowledge that “in Him” you can have peace, and that He’s overcome the world. And all its terror.