I’m Secure in God’s Hands

In John 10:28-29 I read, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish . . . My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (NIV)

God has really big hands. How big are God’s hands? God’s hands are big enough to bless me. Jesus would lay his hands on people and bless them. He does the same for me. Isaiah 62:3 says, “The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God” (NLT).

God’s hands are scarred to never forget me. In heaven, the only scars will be on Jesus. God can’t forget me? He has a constant reminder of me in his nail-scarred hands. The Bible says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV).

God’s hands are strong enough to keep me eternally secure. John 10:28-29 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish . . . My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (NIV).

Once I put my life in God’s hands, nobody can snatch me out of them. I may wonder, “Can’t I just jump out?” How big do I think God’s hands are? I’m never going to get to the edge of his hands. Every aspect of my life is in his hands.

My Father is waiting for me to jump today. He’s saying, “Trust me. I can be trusted. I’m working behind the scenes. And I can handle anything you give me.”

I want my life to be in God’s hands. I can trust him today and forever.

In summary, God gives me eternal life, and in His hands I will never perish. No one can snatch me out of my Father’s hand. God has big enough hands to bless me. When Jesus was on earth, he would lay his hands on people and bless them. Now He does the same for me. In addition, God’s hands are scarred to never forget me. In heaven, the only scars will be on Jesus. He has a constant reminder of me in his nail-scarred hands. God’s hands are strong enough to keep me eternally secure. Once I put my life in God’s hands, nobody can snatch me out of them. Every aspect of my life is in his hands. My Father is waiting for me. He’s saying, “Trust me. I can be trusted. I’m working behind the scenes. And I can handle anything you give me.” I can trust him today and forever.

Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects me from eternal harm. While I can expect to have suffering here on earth, the enemy can't harm my soul or take away my eternal life with God. If I choose to follow Jesus, he will give me everlasting safety. Father, I really need to turn over to you my future job situation. You have promised to look out for my best interest and to grow me. I’m not sure what the next chapter of my life will look like, but I want to trust you and be open to whatever you pass along my way. I want to be your obedient servant and do what you want me to do to further your Kingdom.

Lord, I need you today. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can trust you in everything. You have my best interests in mind. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.

Who Should I Trust?

In Psalm 33:4 I read, “For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” (NLT)

One of the great questions of life is, “Who am I going to trust?” The way I answer this question will determine whether I’m happy or miserable, whether I succeed or fail, whether I make something of my life or waste it.

To determine who I should trust, ask myself questions like these: Who always has my best interest in mind? Who will help me make important decisions? Who wants to see me succeed?

Should I trust popular opinion? That may not be a good idea since it constantly changes. Should I trust celebrities who set the latest trends? Trends change, and fads fade. Should I make critical life decisions based on what I read on social media? Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s truly trustworthy or reliable.

What about trusting in myself? The truth is, my emotions can lie to me. The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). When I live by my emotions, I can be easily manipulated by others and by my changing moods.

If I’m going to entrust my life and future to someone or something, I’d better choose someone who has my best interest at heart, knows everything, is perfect, and will never lie to me. That limits my options—to God.

No one else is ever going to always tell me the truth. They’re going to shade it. They’re going to filter it. They’re going to make it sound nice. They may not tell me what I need to hear. But what I need to hear is the truth—because it is the truth that sets me free. Lies about myself, others, the world, and how life really is will only keep me in bondage.

And even though the truth will set me free, it may make me miserable at first. That’s why people don’t like the truth and often avoid it. I don’t want to hear that most of my problems were brought on by poor decisions. I don’t want to hear that my own stubbornness, ego, and insecurity cause the stress in my life, but it’s true.

Psalm 33:4 says, “For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does” (NLT).

God said it, and that settles it—whether or not I believe it. God isn’t waiting on my opinion to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong. If God says it, it’s true.

Each day voices all around me are trying to get me to trust them. But there’s only one voice I can trust that will always have my best in mind. Trust God for my present and my future. He will never let me down.

In summary, the word of the LORD holds true, I can trust everything he does. One of the great questions of life is, “Who am I going to trust?” The way I answer this question will determine whether I’m happy or miserable, succeed or fail, and whether I make something of my life or waste it. To determine who I should trust, consider: Who always has my best interest in mind? Who will help me make important decisions? Who wants to see me succeed? Should I trust popular opinion that constantly changes or trust celebrities who set the latest trends? Should I make critical life decisions based on what I read on social media? What about trusting in myself? My emotions can lie to me. When I live by my emotions, I can be easily manipulated by others and by my changing moods. If I’m going to entrust my life and future to someone or something, I’d better choose someone who has my best interest at heart, knows everything, is perfect, and will never lie to me. That limits my options to God. No one else is ever going to always tell me the truth. But what I need to hear is the truth, because it is the truth that sets me free. Lies about myself, others, the world, and how life really is will only keep me in bondage. Even though the truth will set me free, it may make me miserable at first. I don’t always want to hear that most of my problems were brought on by poor decisions. I don’t want to hear that my own stubbornness, ego, and insecurity cause the stress in my life, but it’s true. Ultimately, God said it, and that settles it, whether I choose to believe it or not. God isn’t waiting on my opinion to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong. Each day voices all around me are trying to get me to trust them. But there’s only one voice I can trust that will always have my best in mind. Trust God for my present and my future. He will never let me down.

All God's words are true and trustworthy, they can be trusted. The Bible is reliable because, unlike people, God does not lie, forget, change his words, or leave his promises unfulfilled. I can trust the Bible because it contains the words of a holy, trustworthy, and unchangeable God.

Lord, I need you today. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can trust you in everything. You have my best interests in mind. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Serve Jesus by Serving Others

In Matthew 25:37-40 I read, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and provide for you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (NIV)

Just before Jesus died on the cross, he said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28 NIV). That moment shows his humanity, that Jesus was God living among us as a man.

The Bible says that the Roman soldiers soaked a sponge in a jar full of wine vinegar and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. The sour wine was meant to relieve his thirst.

It would have been great to have been there and to be able to give water to Jesus for his thirst. It would have been considered a privilege and blessing to serve him in that moment.

But that moment is long past, and I can’t help Jesus in that way. On the other hand, I can help those around me on behalf of Jesus. People everywhere are spiritually thirsty, searching for purpose and significance. They want to know what to do with their lives and if their lives have any meaning.

People need to know that Jesus can quench their thirst, that he is what they are looking for when they hop from one thing to another. They need to know that he meets them in their depression, discouragement, and despair.

Jesus says, when I serve others, I’m serving him. So, when I want to do something for Jesus, look for people around me who are in need. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

Whenever I give a drink to someone who is thirsty, I am giving it to Jesus. The same is true when I lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus.

Love in action is when I meet the needs of other people in their thirst—physical, emotional, or spiritual—out of love for Christ, who endured thirst on the cross for me. The only way I can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name.

Who are the people around me who appear to be spiritually thirsty? Ask God to show me who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.

In summary, whenever I provide for and care for someone else, I’m doing it for him. I can help those around me on behalf of Jesus. People everywhere are spiritually thirsty, searching for purpose and significance. People need to know that Jesus can quench their thirst, that he is what they are looking for when they hop from one thing to another. They need to know that he meets them in their depression, discouragement, and despair. Jesus says, when I serve others, I’m serving him. So, when I want to do something for Jesus, look for people around me who are in need. Whenever I give a drink to someone who is thirsty, I am giving it to Jesus. The same is true when I lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus. Love in action is when I meet the needs of other people in their thirst, out of love for Christ, who endured thirst on the cross for me. The only way I can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name. 

Today's study describes acts of mercy I can do every day. These acts do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence; they are simple acts freely given and freely received. I have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and I cannot hand over this responsibility to someone else. Jesus wants me personal involvement in caring for others' needs. Who are the people around me who appear to be spiritually thirsty? I ask you father to show me who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.

Lord, I need you today. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that you are for me and I do not need to look anywhere else. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.

 

God Will Meet All My Needs, But Not My ‘Greeds’

In Philippians 4:19 I read, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

My biggest worry continues to be about my ability to provide for my needs for the future (such as my next job, salary and health benefits). But it shouldn’t be!

The Bible says, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

What a great promise for those who are in Christ!

God doesn’t promise to meet all my “greeds.” He doesn’t promise a fancy car or mansion. God is not a genie in a bottle. But he will give me all I need.

I often forget about this, so I pray for it. Psalm 84:11 says: “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (NLT).

Keep in mind these three words: no good thing.

When my daughter was growing up, I wanted to give her good things. I might withhold something bad, something that would harm her or something that would cause her to be stunted in her spiritual, physical, or emotional growth. But I wouldn’t withhold anything good.

If I, as a dad, want to give my daughter and grandchildren good things, how much more does a Heavenly Father who’s perfect want to do likewise?

God solved my biggest problem, my sin, when he came to Earth and died for me. If he was willing to do that, shouldn’t I think he cares about the other issues I’m dealing with?

Absolutely. He cares about my finances. He cares about my health. He cares about my career. He cares about me!

In summary, God will meet all my needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. My biggest worry continues to be about my ability to provide for my needs for the future. But it shouldn’t be! Today’s verse reminds me, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” What a great promise for those who are in Christ! God doesn’t promise to meet all my “greeds.” He is not a genie in a bottle. But he will give me all I need. I often forget, so I pray for it. Psalm 84:11 reminds me: “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right”. If I, as a dad, want to give good things, how much more does a Heavenly Father who’s perfect want to do likewise? God solved my biggest problem, my sin, when he came to Earth and died for me. If he was willing to do that, shouldn’t I think he cares about the other issues I’m dealing with? Absolutely. He cares about me!

I can trust that God will always meet my needs. Whatever I need on earth he will always supply. I must remember the difference between my wants and my needs. I want to feel good and avoid discomfort and pain. I may not always get what I want. By trusting in Christ, my attitude and appetite can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.

Lord, I need you today. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that you are for me and I do not need to look anywhere else or worry about my needs being met. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Fear Not—God Is for Me!

In Romans 8:31 I read,  “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (NLT)

There are hundreds of different known fears that people can have. Fear is a universal problem. It takes away your joy.

But here’s the good news: I don’t have to be afraid. I have God on my side!

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NLT).

With God on my side, I don’t need anything else. God plus one equals a majority.

What’s my greatest fear; embarrassment, failure, rejection, disappointing others or not fitting in?

Satan uses all of these fears to rob me of joy. He knows what will make me joyful, so he creates fears to oppose those things.

For instance, Satan knows doing what’s right will always bring me joy. So he makes me afraid of what other people will think if you do the right thing. He makes me worry more about my popularity than pleasing God.

Satan also knows one of the greatest sources of joy in life is when I share the love of Christ with an unbeliever. So he makes me afraid to tell people about Jesus.

The truth is to find joy, I need only one thing. I need to live for an audience of one: God. That’s Jesus’ path to complete and total joy.

He said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV).

I can have joy in life, knowing that God is for me. So fear not!

In summary, If God is for me, who can ever be against me. There are hundreds of different known fears that people can have. Fear is a universal problem and it will take away joy. However, I don’t have to be afraid. I have God on my side! With God on my side, I don’t need anything else. Satan uses fears to rob me of joy. He knows what will make me joyful, so he creates fears to oppose those things. Satan knows doing what’s right will always bring me joy. So he makes me afraid of what other people will think if you do the right thing. He makes me worry more about my popularity than pleasing God. Satan also knows one of the greatest sources of joy in life is when I share the love of Christ with an unbeliever. So he makes me afraid to tell people about Jesus. To find joy, I need only one thing. I need to live for an audience of one: God. I can have joy in life, knowing that God is for me. So fear not!

God gave his Son for me, he isn't going to hold back. He will not withhold anything I need to live for him. God's redeeming grace should be a comfort and confidence to me.

Lord, I need you today. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that you are for me and I do not need to look anywhere else or be afraid.  I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.