Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Doubts and Fears

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” John 10:28 ESV 

Christians should never think or speak lightly of unbelief. For children of God to mistrust His love, His truth, or His faithfulness must be greatly displeasing to Him. How can we ever grieve God by doubting His upholding grace? Oh, Christian—it is contrary to every promise of God’s precious Word that you would ever be forgotten or left to perish. If that were possible, how could we trust the One who has said, “Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15 NLT). What would be the value of this promise: “‘The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10 ESV). Where would be the truth of Christ’s words, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand” (John 10:28–29 NLT). Where would the doctrine of grace be? It would be disproved if one child of God would perish. Where would the truthfulness of God be, or His honor, His power, His grace, His covenant, His oath, if any of those for whom Christ died—and who have put their trust in Him—would somehow be cast away? Banish the unbelieving fear that dishonors God. Get up, shake the dust off yourself, and put on your beautiful garments. Remember, it is sinful to doubt God’s Word, in which He has promised that you will “never perish.” Let the eternal life inside you express itself in confident rejoicing: The gospel bears my spirit up; A faithful and unchanging God Lays the foundation for my hope, In oaths, and promises, and blood. “How Oft Have Sin and Satan Strove,” Isaac Watts (18th century) - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

Doubts and fears...of mankind's intentions yes...of God, may it never be!

Jesus said to Himself on at least one occasion that He knew the heart of man and would not entrust Himself to him.

That wasn't doubt. That was the knowledge of the Holy Spirit.  Sinful man, in himself has but one direction in life...selfishness and a need to boast of that.

The world before the flood, I believe, was far superior technology-wise than we are today.  We have unearthed many finds that we cannot explain.  Transistors form a great deal of the foundation of electronics.  Some have been dug up that are thousands of years old.  

This world believes it can solve its problems through knowledge and technology.  Through all means at its fingertips.  Yet the answer to all the world's problems rests in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.  While mankind strives with the wind to find success, in Christ "it is FINISHED!".

Doubts and fears are the most used tools in Satan's toolbox.  Nobody's immune to their use.  Everyone from Christ Himself to you today have felt their effects.  Misdirection is another of his more famous tools.  Look over here while I do something over there.  

Read in Nehemiah of the various forms of attack that happened while they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.  

Doubts and fears are used to try to forestall people from coming to Christ and after those who do, from living for Jesus. 

We all laugh at the joke about dogs. Their attention span is so short that in the split second between focusing on you, a squirrel goes by and off they go.  We as humans have that problem.  Confidence in ourselves is our biggest fault.  Peter was fine on the water as long as his confidence was focused on Christ. When he had a minor 'wow, look at me' moment he began to sink.

Having a mind set on Christ helps to eliminate doubts and fears. Regardless of what you see.  Remember Elijah and his servant.  He asked God to open his eyes to see the truth of who was with them.  We don't see those who are with us. Yet we should remember they are there.  

Who is 'those'? They are Angels of God as well as sometimes Jesus Himself.  Angels are not Male and Female.  Only the creations on Earth are those. I do not believe in those in Heaven seen our plight here on Earth.  That would cause Heaven to weep uncontrollably.  That's not what Heaven is like.  Those who are there have entered into Christ's rest. The true definition of peace.  They are at rest, no longer encumbered by the cares of this life. They are with Jesus! He who wipes away every tear. 

When you go through your day today remember to stop your racing thoughts and just 'be' with Jesus.  You don't have to speak.  Just be with Him.  Speak if your heart is burdened.  Sing if it's within you to do so.  Soon you will  find the peace that passes all understanding that's found only in Christ Jesus. 

Doubts and fears will always try to assail us but in Christ we have an answer to it.

Be a living testimony and if necessary use words to tell of what Jesus has done in your life. 

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