In full transparency, there have been times when situations and circumstances overwhelmed me. I found myself trying to figure out the solution to each problem in and of myself. And therein lies the mistake. Because 1 Peter 5:7 New Living Translation says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Thus, when I do what 1 Peter 5:7 has instructed — God leads and guides me. In fact, that is why His presence is so important. Hence, this podcast episode, HIM: The Importance of God’s Presence.
Are you a planner? I am. In my human nature, I want to plan what’s next. It’s a defense mechanism for me so that I can feel a sense of control over my life. But I have learned that my plans aren’t what God has planned for me.
You see, since the beginning of time—God had a plan for each one of us. And HIS plan involved HIM ineverything that concerns us. HE wants to be an infinite part of our lives. Because HE knows what’s best for us.
To begin with, the question on the table is, “Have you ever felt completely lost in life?” In other words, no matter how hard you tried you still couldn’t seem to find your way. When you think about it – did anyone show you any compassion? Hence this podcast episode – Lost and Found: The Compassion of Christ.
In general, most people have experienced a sense of helplessness at some point, even if they don’t admit it. No doubt, some of you may be feeling lost this very moment. To continue, others feel like they are a lost cause. But, I’m here to tell you – that is not true. In fact, you are valuable!
As we can see, Luke 12:7 Easy-to-Read Version says, “{Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.”
1-2 As Jesus was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business (and, of course, a very rich man), 3 tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree beside the road, to watch from there.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick! Come down! For I am going to be a guest in your home today!”6 Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the crowds were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “Sir, from now on I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I find I have overcharged anyone on his taxes, I will penalize myself by giving him back four times as much!”
9-10 Jesus told him, “This shows that salvation has come to this home today. This man was one of the lost sons of Abraham, and I, the Messiah, have come to search for and to save such souls as his.”
Are you lost? Do you feel invisible? Have you ever wondered if your life matters to God? Well—IT DOES! And like Zacchaeus, HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! Zacchaeus was trying to get a glimpse of Jesus, trying to get noticed. He didn’t realize Jesus had already noticed him.
Although it may not seem like it, God notices you too. So much so, God knows the number of hairs on your head—which is proof that He’s paying attention. He has a compassionate love for you!
Most Christian scholars refer to The Book of James in the Holy Bible as ‘A Letter to the Church.’ Why? Because James, a brother of Jesus, sent letters to Jewish believers throughout the Roman empire. And those letters included some of his best teachings.
In other words, the believers of that time respected him. In addition, they appreciated his advice and his wise decision-making skills.
Although the title of this episode is ‘A Letter to the Church,’ everyone will benefit from the wisdom of James.
Love your neighbor as yourself
Now, the focus of this post is James 2:1-9. So, let’s look at it in the New Internation Version. It reads as follows:
7-10 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love.
This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.
When you look around, watch the nightly news, walk into a department store during the Christmas holidays—what do you see? You find everything but love among people. Why do you think that is? Does ANYONE know God?
I realized the problem—People that don’t love others can’t know Jesus as LORD. Thus, they don’t know God! The renewing of your mind begins with faith in Jesus, and time in HIS Word to learn what love is. And it takes learning about Jesus to see what LOVE looks like.
Truth is—the excellence of LOVE reveals GOD.
The sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross for the sins of the world was unselfish, enduring love. This love was kind, thoughtful, truthful, and full of grace.
Jesus didn’t let someone’s race, financial status, or a political party decide whether He would go on the Cross for them. NO! JESUS let love guide the decisions He made. And we too must let love guide us.
In general, if you ask some people the meaning of the word ‘grace’ they may say it is the prayer offered at a meal. Whereas for others ‘grace’ is the period of time between a bill due date and final notice. Although grace has several definitions, for this post, I am talking about the grace of God. Hence, the title of this podcast episode; Grace–God’s Generosity.
Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace.
This superabundant grace is already powerfully working in us, releasing all forms of wisdom and practical understanding.
And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time.
And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ.
Salvation—New Life through Jesus Christ, comes with a grace gift that has ALL YOU NEED. The truth is this immeasurable grace gift begins with Jesus because He is grace personified. Grace and truth came through Him.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
When we were born, we didn’t get to choose what family we were born into. Some were born into loving families, while others were not. Some were abandoned, while others were received as cherished gifts.
Even so, one thing every family has in common is that we all have sinned and fallen short. And sin causes destruction in our lives.
But look at how good God is—
God, in all His mercy and grace, foreknew that none of us were perfect thus, we ALL needed a SAVIOR!
You see, our imperfections didn’t stop God from loving us and wanting us to belong in HIS eternal family. He didn’t want us separated from Him. He wanted us closer.
The question for today is “Have you received your gift?” If you are wondering, “What gift?” I’m so glad you asked. The gift I am referring to is the most expensive gift you could ever receive because it came at a great cost.
In fact, God has made available the most precious gift to all who will receive it. The gift I am referring to is His Grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. So, I ask again, have you received your gift?
