Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)

Approximately 2700 years ago the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)

About 700 years later this prophesy took place

She (Mary) will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:21-23 ESV)

Before the world was created, God knew that we all would need a Savior. God used Isaiah, and other prophets, to foretell the coming of Jesus.  A little more than 2000 years ago this prophecy was fulfilled.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

Thanksgiving (giving thanks) should never end for anyone who is a Christian.   Christians have something to be thankful for every day of the year.  His name is Jesus.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)

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How much of the scriptures do you understand, and understand well?

You probably understand more scripture than you think you understand.

Take a moment to list 10 Biblical principles that are clear to you.  (If you need a starting point, go back and review the scriptures I used in previous posts.  Surely you understand many of these passages and can apply them to your life.)

Are you practicing the Biblical principles you know and understand?

All too often we get hung up on the passages of scripture that are confusing to us.  Just know that there are passages of scripture that you will not understand.   You are not accountable for the things that the Lord our God has chosen to keep “secret”.

“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.  (Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT)

You are, however, accountable for all the Biblical truths that God has revealed to you.

Act on what you know about God’s will for your life.

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV)

If you ignore the Biblical truths that you have learned, you can expect “crashes” in your life.

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:26-27 NIV)

Don’t worry about the parts of scripture you don’t understand.  Rather, focus on doing everything that you know God wants you to be doing. This will radically change your life.

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (James 1:25 New Living Translation NLT)

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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
(Psalm 118:1 NLT)

Have a happy Thanksgiving

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4 ESV)

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A reason to be thankful.

Christians truly have hope for future glory.  The better we understand that hope, the more thankful we will be, not just at Thanksgiving, but throughout the year.

Consider a small part of the Christian’s hope discussed in Romans 8:18-25 (NLT)

¹⁸ Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. ¹⁹ For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.  ²⁰ Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, ²¹ the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. ²² For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. ²⁴ We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. ²⁵ But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)  (Romans 8:18-25 NLT)

A careful study of this passage describes the Christian’s current condition and also reveals the future glory Christians will experience.

This is just a small part of what Christians have to look forward to in the future.

Christians do have a reason to be thankful.

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you

who belong to Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

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Life may be challenging, but all Christians have many reasons to thankful always.

Colossians chapter one, verses 11 through 14, reminds us of a number of reasons to be thankful.

May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.  For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,  who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:11-14 NLT)

Reasons to be thankful:

May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.

He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people,

• Christians will spend eternity in heaven.

who live in the light.

• Christians have been called out of the darkness of sin and death and live in God’s wonderful light.

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 

• Christians have been rescued from Satan’s grasp and have been transferred into the Kingdom of God’s beloved son.

who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:11-14 NLT)

• The blood of Jesus freed believing sinners from slavery to sin. All the sins of Christians have been forgiven.

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you

who belong to Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

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The 2016 Elections are over (except for a few runoff elections in some states).

What do we do now?

We pray.

We voted; now we pray.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV)

Scripture clearly tells us to pray for those in “high positions”.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,

We need to be praying for those who are already in office as well as those who will soon be starting their new positions.

What should we pray?

We can start by praying that our leaders live their lives in ways that are pleasing to the Lord.  If they are already Christians, we can pray that they seek God’s guidance in all aspects of their personal and political lives. If those in “high positions” are not Christians, we can pray for their salvation.  We can pray that they will repent of theirs sins and embrace the gospel.

“Ask God to help them” (to rule well).

Why do we pray for our leader?

So … that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Does God really want us to pray for our politicians?  Yes!

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We want our leaders to be saved and we want them to know the truth and live their lives by the truths of scripture.

We are expected to honor the office of our current president.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  (Romans 13:1 NLT)

Remember:  Regardless of the outcome of this current election, or any election, it is crucial to know that our hope in not in Republicans, Democrats, or third party candidates.   Our hope is in the Lord.

Our hope is in the Lord.

³ Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
⁴ When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
⁵ But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
⁶ He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever. (Psalm 146:3-6 NLT)

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7 ESV)

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6 ESV)

 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2 ESV)

Remember to pray for President Donald Trump.  Pray also for your local, state, and federal politicians.

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.
(Psalm 33:12 NLT)

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Be Sure to Cast Your Vote.

Everyone who is eligible to vote needs to vote in the November Elections. Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility.  When we cast our ballot we help determine who will be running the government of our country.

Why is it important to vote?

Scripture tells us that we are to be subject to the governing authorities.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Romans 13:1-2 ESV)

Scripture also tells us that we are to pay our taxes (to finance the government).

Then the Pharisees …. sent their disciples to him (Jesus), saying, “…Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” …. Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:15-21 ESV)

We are to pray for our leaders.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1Timothy 2:1-2 ESV)

We are to be subject to the governing authorities, help finance the government, and pray for our leaders. Certainly we should take part in the process that determines who will be running our government.

NOTE:  Regardless of the outcome of this current election, or any election, it is crucial to know that our hope in not in Republicans, Democrats, or third party candidates.   Our hope is in the Lord.

Our hope is in the Lord.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7 ESV)

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6 ESV)

 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2 ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! (Psalm 33:12 ESV)

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What are three things all Christians should be doing?

Three points. Short and to the point.

• Read and study your Bible daily.

No excuses!

You have easy access to truth.  (printed or electronic)

You need to know the truth.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8:31-32 NLT)

• Practice Biblical principles.

² … you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. ³ Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

⁴ “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ⁵ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (Love God with every fiber of your being) 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. (Deuteronomy 6:2-6 NLT)

Commit to know and practice the Scripture

• Share Biblical principles with your children (and with others).

Repeat them (Biblical principles) again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  (Deuteronomy 6:7 NLT)

 …. we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders. …. 
So each generation should set its hope anew on God…  (Psalm 78:4 & 7 NLT)

Repeatedly share Biblical principles with your children (and with others).

Three points. Short and to the point.

• Read and study your Bible daily
• Practice Biblical principles
• Share Biblical principles with your children (and with others).

But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”  (Joshua 22:5 NLT)

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Are you going through tough times?  Are you feeling discouraged?  Does it seem like no one cares about you?

Don’t give up.  Cry out to God for help.

God hears the prayers of the righteous.

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
…  (Psalm 34:17 NLT)

 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.  And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.  (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)

 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears. (Psalm 18:6 NLT)

God rescues His people from their troubles.

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
    he saved me from all my troubles.  (Psalm 34:6 NLT)

 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.  (Psalm 34:17 NLT)

God’s answers to prayers are often far beyond what we can imagine.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.  (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT)

God answers our prayers for His glory.

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  (John 14:13 NLT)

 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”  (Psalm 50:15 NLT)

Are you going through some rough times?  Don’t hesitate asking God for help.

• God hears the prayers of the righteous.
• God rescues His people from their troubles.
• God’s answers to prayers are often far beyond what we can imagine.
• God answers our prayers for His glory.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 NLT)

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If you have access to this blog, you have access to the Word of God. (www.biblegateway.com)  If you have access to the Word of God, you have access to the power of Scripture.

Make it a practice of yours’s to meditate on Scripture.  Fill your mind with Scripture.  Don’t allow your familiarity of the Scriptures to rob you of the power of scripture.  Don’t stop at just knowing Scripture, believe and practice Biblical principles.

Part Three

The Holy Spirit and Scripture

We can’t talk about the scriptures without talking about the Holy Spirit.  A Christian will have a far better understanding of the Scriptures than a non-Christian.  Christians have God’s Spirit living in them.  Think about the following points.

• The Holy Spirit lives in all believers.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  (John 14:16 NLT)

 Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 CEB)

• The Holy Spirit teaches us Biblical truths and reminds us of Biblical truths.

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  (John 14:26 NLT)

•  The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.  (John 16:13 NLT)

•  The Holy Spirit gives us words to explain spiritual truths. (explain scriptures)

When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.   (1 Corinthians 2:13 NLT)

•  The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. The Holy Spirit prays for us.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  (Romans 8:26 (NLT)

The Holy Spirit and Scripture

• The Holy Spirit lives in all believers.
• The Holy Spirit teaches us Biblical truths and reminds us of Biblical truths.
• The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.
• The Holy Spirit gives us words to explain spiritual truths. (explain scriptures)
• The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. The Holy Spirit prays for us.

Spending time reading the Bible is an important part of your day.  Allow the Holy Spirit to make your time in the Word a life changing experience.

For the word of God is alive and powerful … (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

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