[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS]
Today: Psalms 68:1-6; John 16:5-33; John 17:1-5; 1 Samuel 17:38-58; 1 Samuel 18
Psalms 68
“So the wicked will perish before God. But the righteous will be joyful; they will rejoice before God; Yes, they will rejoice with gladness.” Psalms 68:12-3
Ever since Adam and Eve’s fall, this world has been infiltrated with wickedness. We can be filled with great peace and joy in Christ during our time here, but while we are in these cursed flesh bodies, there will always be a piece missing.
Some day we will be perfectly complete. Our future as Christ followers really does have a happily ever after. We will be with God in glory for eternity. This is His beautiful promise to us; and God keeps His promises. It is a promise freely given to ALL who want to receive it, even the lowliest people on this earth, those whose physical lives are fraught with difficulty — the fatherless, the widows, the lonely, and the prisoners. God has prepared a place at His eternal table for ALL of His children!
John 16
“You will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy!” John 16:20
Jesus warned us that “in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (v.33) This life is often difficult, full of troubles and sickness. But is Christ is in us, we can tap into His power and victory. It is possible to be filled with profound peace and happiness even through the most terrible trial. One reason for our joy is that we have HOPE in our future. Jesus has promised us a wonderful future with God for all of eternity. I believe Him!
John 17
Jesus defines “eternal life” for us in John 17:
“And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
Knowing God, knowing Jesus, IS eternal life! The presence of God is HEAVEN!! Hallelujah!!!
1 Samuel 17
David’s victory of Goliath came quickly. After a bit of blustery banter, David slung that stone and it was over. I’m sure that everyone on both sides stood in stunned silence for a few moments after Goliath fell. That was not the outcome ANYONE expected! I’m sure that people on both sides could barely believe their eyes. But the deed was done. The Philistine giant was defeated and Israel was victorious!
We are told that David was filled with the Spirit of the LORD. We see David’s great courage and God’s favor in this story. None of us will likely battle with a physical giant. But our troubles in this world often feel gigantic, insurmountable. But God’s favor and strength is always able to overcome when we follow Him.
The Israelites had been so terrified of Goliath. But all it took was a young shepherd boy and a stone. All of Goliath’s ferocious threats turned out to be nothing at all. Remember that next time you feel afraid and overwhelmed by something (including a virus…). God is in the giant slaying business!
