United by the Gospel

Every one of us was created with a free will to think and choose; my belief is that we are ALL created in the image of Holy God. Sometimes I can and sometimes I cannot change my circumstances, but I can ALWAYS change my way of thinking or my focus in the circumstance. In this blog, I would like to share a few of my survival strategies learned in my 80+ years. Where do I try to focus? What am I learning?

  

Since January 1, 2020, I have been reading the LifePrinciples Daily Bible by Charles F. Stanley. This devotional combines a growing knowledge and understanding of God through His Word. Every reading combines something from the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and the New Testament. Only by example can I hopefully explain how the four separate readings connect with knowledge and understanding. The first reading is Genesis 1-2, creation, Life Principle “Our Intimacy with God—His highest priority for our lives—determines the impact of our lives.” In Psalm 1, I learn “…in His law he meditates day and night…” In Proverbs 1, I learn “to receive instruction is wise behavior…” In Matthew 1, I read the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.

A few examples of recent scriptures that have encouraged me:

Proverbs 21:2 “People think they are doing what is right, but the Lord knows the heart.” :10 “Evil people love to harm others; their neighbors get no mercy from them.” :30 “Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand against the LORD.” :31 “The horses are prepared for battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.”

John 13: 24-25 “A new commandment I give you that you love one another, even as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 17:20-26, especially “…that they all be one…” The following excerpt is from The Tony Evans Bible Commentary page 1057.

   He [Jesus] prayed that all believers would all be one —that is, experience unity. Legitimate unity is not uniformity or sameness. Rather, Jesus was talking about being unified in God and his purposes. That’s why he prayed, May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.

   A football team consists of different players filling different positions with different roles. But the entire team has one purpose: reaching the goal line. Their unity consists of pursuing that one goal according to the rules of the game. The church of Jesus Christ is composed of people from every race, ethnicity, gender, and walk of life. But we have the common purpose of proclaiming the gospel and pursuing God’s kingdom agenda. Our effectiveness is determined by our unity. That’s why Satan works so hard at causing division among Christians and within churches.   Please read the rest of this commentary.

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” KJ biblegateway.com

Please listen to “Does Jesus Care?” by Frank E. Graeff recorded by Gaither Music.

United by the Gospel; how has the good news of Jesus Christ comforted you? I have written about how I am comforted during difficult circumstances. How do you find comfort in a time of turmoil? Please share your thoughts, where do you go for encouragement? The Gospel will unite us in prayer and action. Thank you.