How Blessed

We have the most to give thanks for, having been drawn by the Spirit to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ forever.  Everything else pales in comparison.  Romans 8:32 likewise puts this in perspective, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things."  So my conclusion is simple, thank God for all the good things that He has blessed you with, family, food, clothing, shelter, health, friends, vehicles, resources, etc., but let all His gifts be the icing on the cake, Jesus and your eternal life being the heart of the matter. 

Psalm 119 starts out with "How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord" and continues to speak of all the good things the Word of God does for us.  It is really hard to read this psalm without appreciating how blessed we are who know Jesus and live by the Word.  In almost every line, the Holy Spirit enlightens, encourages, and reminds us with the overwhelming promises of what the Word of God provides.  Clearly it is both a celebration and a prayer for the believer to receive with awe and thanksgiving the promises of the Word.    

On the opposite side of the coin, in Revelation 20:4 we see that only those who have a commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word are able to resist the Antichrist.  2 Thessalonians 2:10 also points out that only those who "receive the love of the truth" will not fall for the power and signs and false wonders of the Satan during the coming of the lawless one, the antichrist.  

Therefore, my prayer this morning is for you and me to ask the Holy Spirit for a fresh and abiding love for the truth of God's Word and the staying power to never let go of it.  Let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4) in our thoughts, feelings, and choices forever!

Many Will Be Deceived vs. Love of the Truth

One of the most terrifying statements Jesus made about the end times is that many will be deceived.  No wonder whenever the disciples asked him about what will happen, as in Matthew 24, his first words were, "Take heed that no one deceives you."

While there are many areas in which a believer may be deceived, there are three glowing areas that are rapidly becoming the focus of the battleground.
First, Jesus is God, and the Son of God.  You would think this would be elementary, but in the intellectual, accommodating world, many are trying to say He was a great teacher, or just a man, or one of many spiritual leaders to help us find truth. 

Second, Jesus is the only way to heaven.  People want to accuse Christians of saying that "their religion" is better than others.  The point isn't the argument over whose religion is better, but rather there is only one perfect man who rightfully could pay the price for man's sins.  Jesus is the only one who qualifies to justly take away our wrongs

Thirdly, that God who is love will also be a righteous judge.  Even well known pastors with large followings are beginning to question God sending someone to hell.  Sometimes people like to act as if they are more merciful than God.  Jesus shows the absolute love of God for us in paying an incredibly awesome price for sin.  Clearly He did it to forgive man's sin and to bring us back to the Father.  His infinite mercy is shown in not only taking every single person's sins, but also in opening the doors of heaven and inviting everyone to "Come to Me."  Even though He desires everyone to be saved, He respects the decision of those who choose to reject Him and all the mercy He extended in taking their place in suffering the consequences of their sins.  God will not and can not cheat.  Every sin is paid for, either by Jesus Christ's death, or by the offending person himself.  God is just.   Man will get what he sows. God is absolutely merciful carrying and putting to death the consequences of every man's sins.  His nature is both perfect love and perfect justice.  Otherwise He could not be who He is. 

The Word, in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, stresses that Satan will come with all power, signs, and lying wonders to deceive many.  Notice why: BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECEIVE THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH.   Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, including the truth about Jesus.  He will do this for everyone who is teachable.  One of my favorite short Scripture verses is "Let God be true and every man a liar."  Romans 3:4    Our theme at CedarWood for this year, "Got Truth" is based on Proverbs 23:23  Buy the truth and do not give it up at any cost.  Ask God to give you a love of the truth, and a refusal to never compromise it.  Otherwise, you will be deceived.