Can We Wear Out God's Love? Psalm 103:11

Is there a limit to God's love? 

A child may ask how much do you love me and it is cute but the question is a serious one when we become adults, especially regarding God.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;" Psalm 103:11.

HIGH

We are earthbound and any reference to height, no matter if it is the top of a ladder, a building, a mountain or the heavens makes us aware of our smallness.

High as a term of measurement is unique because most other measures have limits of some sort or they change at some point such as measuring light, sound, or heat, but if Earth is a starting point and you go up you keep on going up without changing the nature of going up.

HEAVENS

It is interesting that the word Heaven is used and not sky or universe. The idea of sky or universe suggests limits but the heavens are outside our limits and this extends the concept of something that is far beyond measure.

This makes the measurement to be measureless. The expanding universe has no bounds so the direction of up or high does not have a stopping point, so we understand that there are no boundaries to God's love it is infinite

SO GREAT
With the words, "so great," the verse moves to compare the infinite measure of "ultimate up" to God's love.

These two words suggest the equality of the next subject. The psalmist could have used some other comparative term like, just as, or is the same way, or just so measureless but to say "so great" not only gives the sense of equality but a value of importance, and awesome wonder.

HIS LOVE
God is a God of love, but since it is His love it is unlike anything we know, we really have nothing to compare it to and any attempts to find a similar experience of love in human experience will fall laughably short.

FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
This verse speaks lastly about our relationship with God.

To fear God is not contradictory to loving God but it is the realization of His holiness that we start to understand when we come to know Him. If you know Him you begin to respect and reverence Him.

The proof of God's love is not in words but in actions. The Apostle Paul points out that "God demonstrates his love for us in this in that while we were sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. God's love for us is more than a positive feeling toward us. It is a love that acts- God loved us and died to pay for our sins. Our sin is the only barrier to God's love and He took care of that at Calvary on the cross.

 The world is divided into those who know and fear God and those who do not know God. If you are not confident that you are one of those who know God then CLICK HERE to read my other post about salvation.

(c)Adron Dozat 7/1/17

How Does Fearing God Bring Prosperity? Psalm 25:12

If you fear God you will keep out of trouble with him and society at large but can you actually get ahead in this world by the fear of God?

"Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? The Lord will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity and their descendants will inherit the land." Psalm 25:12-13, NIV.

FEAR
The fear of God is a complicated issue. On one hand, we should love God and have a sense of gratitude for our lives and his blessings. On the other, he is really, really, REALLY powerful and awesome. He creates and gives life so, therefore, he can destroy and take life. His love of mankind has caused him to be merciful toward mankind.

This fear is not the panicked terror of a nightmare but it is reverential respect and a sense of gratitude for his mercy.  We should acknowledge he has the power to punish wrongs, and as the Perfect Justice, he must. We should also acknowledge it is by his mercy and patience with us that we are here.

INSTRUCT
Instruct means to give correct teaching; it has the idea of the boss giving the workers their orders for the day. God would teach us the way we should go through life. He has provided us the tools to receive that instruction in our intelligent minds, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of wise men.

A stranger does not instruct, the one who instructs must have your respect and obedience. The one who teaches must have some way of communicating with the pupil. God must be known personally to receive his instruction so he has made a way available for us to enter into a relationship with him; a relationship where the barrier of our sins and wrongs are wiped clean through the payment of his Son on the cross on our behalf.

CHOOSING
God instructs us in the ways we will choose. God gives us free will and allows us to make choices, some good and others bad. He allows prosperity to happen when we choose those things that are compliant with his instructions. This requires knowledge of God, his ways, and his Word the Bible.

PROSPERITY
Do not confuse prosperity with wealth. The prosperity of the Bible is more of an enlarging of one's life, it may be finical, or relationships, or service, or gifts of character.

When we come to God through the way he provides we will have a fear that is not dread but of respect, and a fear that is balanced by a love that is greater.

If you want to know more about coming to God follow this link: Click Here.

(c)Adron Dozat

Why Does God Want Us To Fear Him?

The "fear of the Lord" sounds contradictory when we are also told to love the Lord our God.* Fear implies a dreadful or a bad thing. Doesn't God want us to be close to him not fearful of him?

"How abundant are the good things which you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you." Psalm 31:19. NIV.

People say, "Well, to fear God is just to say you respect him." Clearly, if you fear God you will obey Him and that will avoid judgment and sin. Obeying God also leads to blessing since His commands are good for us. That is a fine starting point but there is more.

ABOUT FEAR
Do not confuse fear with fearful, there is a difference.

Fearful is the unreasoning fear that overpowers our thoughts, and like a phobia cripples us, keeping us from experiencing confidence and success.

Fear is good in that we assess powers that could harm us and we respond wisely. This basic fear keeps us alive and safe, this is not the emotional form of fear but is an intellectual fear based on knowledge.

KNOWING HIM
God must be known in truth since He is truth and anything else is idolatry. Knowing God leads to several responses; one of those responses is fear because of His great power and authority. We become aware that He is powerful, vast, and that He commands angles, stars, and time. Understanding these truths about God cause an intelligent person to realize such power deserves a reverent and respectful fear.

God is also holy, good, merciful, kind, and forgiving; these things are true of God too. Knowing these truths about God cause us to draw near to Him in love.

It is not a contradiction- it is a relationship and relationships are always complicated. God wants a relationship with us. A relationship established on truth, our emotions of love follow our knowledge, not lead it.

GOODNESS
When we know God we learn by continual experience that he is good. He is storing up goodness and that suggests planning and intent. It implies that He has goodness in such abundance that the best way to deliver such massive goodness is in installments. His goodness is so vast we must grow into it and become prepared to receive such goodness.

REFUGE
A refuge is normally a place, like a fortress or country. We take refuge in the Lord not as a place but as with the ultimate person. We might find refuge in \Him for a crisis, but God being Ultimate is the ultimate refuge from the judgment for our sins.

*Deuteronomy 6:5.

(c)Adron Dozat

How To Learn Way Of The Lord. Psalm 86:11

How can anyone learn the ways of God? This would be a very wonderful thing, but isn't God beyond our understanding? There is a way and the Bible tells us how.

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11. NIV*.

THE POINT
This Bible verse answers our question by giving us a prayer to pray. It is the simplicity of the concept that causes us to miss the point, the point is that to know God and his ways we need to pray and ask him. He is willing to share himself with us but we are so busy and obsessive that we neglect to bring him in by prayer or other disciplines such as reading the scriptures, service, fellowship, etc.

WHAT THE PRAYER SUGGESTS
Where else can a person learn the ways of the Lord than by the Lord? We may read books and take courses, but we must ultimately be taught of the Lord by the Lord. We need to sit at the Lord's feet and listen and learn. We need to set aside time to spend with Him daily.

THE WAY OF THE LORD
The way of the Lord is how he acts based on his character. Knowing what God is like helps us to please him. When we learn the "Way of the Lord," the natural result is that we live the life he wants us to; that is why the verse says "I will walk in your truth." This world is full of falsehood and darkness, we even doubt ourselves, and we need God to show us his truth.

OUR DIVIDED HEART
We need an "undivided heart," a united heart that is all put together for God. Sometimes we are pulled in two directions when it comes to the spiritual. We are torn between God and the world; on one hand, we love God on the other, we may love a particular hobby, or interest, or image, or just ourselves, and it pulls us away from spending time with God. Those things are not bad but we just spend too much time with them.

We need God to give us this "undivided heart," because it is nothing we could ever achieve ourselves; there is not a course or pill or philosophy that will give it to us. We need to make this prayer our daily prayer that today and every day he gives us an undivided heart.

Adron

* To read this verse in other translations follow this link:Psalms 86:11.

© Adron 12/12/12

How To Be a Positive Influence. Proverbs 10:17

What does the Bible say about influencing people for good? If we knew this it would help us get the best for our lives and the lives of those around us?

"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17.*  NIV.

When we trust Jesus as Savior we come into a family where God is our Father. We become a blessing to our families and friends because our relationship with God is like the engine on a train, if things are moving ahead with God things will be moving ahead with other people in our lives; but to be that blessing we often need to change in some way and change often requires God's loving discipline.

Discipline is not pleasant but it is beneficial. Discipline is...

• For our good.
• Enables us to serve Him effectively.
• Brings us in agreement with His purpose.
• Leads us to happier lives.
• Removes sin's practice from our experience.
• Corrects our character.
• The list goes on, and on.

God may use circumstances, events and trials to discipline us and bring about good in our character and lives. When we go through these trials in a positive way we become better people, wiser, more compassionate, and many more good things. If we pay attention to discipline the Father will direct our lives and we will be a positive influence to others around us.

To ignore God's correction is folly! We may even louse fellowship with the Father, and hurt the loved ones around us. We will fail to grow as people.

The real challenge is the effect our response to discipline has in the lives of other people. If we pay attention we will be a living example of the way of life to our kids, spouse, co-workers, dear friends, and others. If we "ignore correction" we will actually be "leading others astray." As Christians we are wearing a sign that says, "This is what God is all about," or, "This is what Jesus is," and everybody is reading that sign!

If we ignore God's discipline, we are a message that Jesus is sloppy, lazy, angry, foul mouthed, etc. If we pay attention to discipline we are saying Jesus is about growth, forgiveness, maturity, and many other good things.

We need to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives through trials and circumstances. We must be in tune with the engine; anything else will wreck the train.

To learn more about how to have God in your life follow this link: Click Here.

* To read this verse in different translations follow this link: Proverbs 10:17.

(c)Adron Dozat

____________________________

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.
For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.

Adron

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What is The Christian Political View?

A Christian Political View

What does the Bible say is the best political view? Can I look to my government to fix society by law, political party, or popular vote?

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28. NIV*.

CITIZENSHIP
When we come to Jesus we come to more than any religion can offer. We receive eternal salvation in heaven, a status as an adopted sons and daughters of God, forgiveness for all guilt and wrong. There is something more we receive- it is kingdom. Not just membership in church, or a faith community, we become citizens of God's kingdom rule. We have an identity that supersedes any allegiance forged by man or government; we are citizens of God's kingdom above all and foremost.

SHAKY GOVERNMENT
Our governments may change, topple, be conquered or collapse but the Government of the Lord God in Heaven will never fade. We have a place in an immovable kingdom. Though we watch the values and morals of society rot and crumble, and we grieve for those lost souls who have nothing else, still we put our hope in that eternal kingdom built on the foundation of Jesus' blood.

CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP
We should not sit around dreaming of blessed tomorrows, we should be busy doing the work of the kingdom. We should oppose unrighteous laws and institutions that hurt, and as good citizens we work toward a better society, because as Christians we are called to be the salt of the earth. There are many scriptures about citizenship we need to follow, such as obeying our civil authorities, praying for those in authority over us, being productive and working with our hands and many more. Christians should work for a better tomorrow and leave our posterity a healthier planet and more righteous country. We are exemplary citizens of our nations and communities because we are members of a superior kingdom which expects nothing less and of a king who deserves our all.

ALLEGIANCE
Our lives should be lives of worship and every task we do in our communities as citizens should take God into consideration with an attitude of awe and reverence. In this way we will accomplish more good than any election, politician, or national head of state ever will.

Our greater primary duty is to our King seated in Heaven, we are to give him worship and thanksgiving for the eternal kingdom we are in the process of receiving. We hope in the kingdom we are receiving by faith because God is giving away a kingdom far better than any we could make here.
To learn more about finding Jesus follow this link to my other blog: click here

*To read Hebrews 12:28 in other translations follow this link: Online Parallel Bible.

(c)Adron Dozat

____________________________

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.
For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.

Adron

Use the share buttons below to save and share this post to your social networks. 

What Happens When a Christian Has a Vision. Revelation 1:17

What happens when a Christian has a mystical experience, a vision, or a private revelation?

"When I saw him I fell at his feet as though dead,. Then he placed his right hand on me and said, Do not be afraid, I am the first and the last." Revelation 1:17, NIV*.

DREADFUL
The Apostle John's revelation is recorded in the Bible in the Book of Revelation.  It is a vision of Jesus.  We all long for a "Spiritual Mountain-top" experience and would love to see a vision of Jesus.  The Apostle John did, and the vision caused him to fall "at his feet as though dead." Seeing the Lord can be a dreadful thing and still a wonderfully beautiful experience.

John's vision was from the Lord because it brought glory to the Lord, not to John, an institution, or any other entity.

We should all have a deep desire to see the Lord. To do this, we should:

     * Read the Bible to hear his words.
     * Pray to commune with Him.
     * Meet with and fellowship with others who love Jesus.
     * Serve to share in His work.
     * Confess and repent of those things that offend Him.

COMPASSION
Jesus' first words were compassionate, "Do not be afraid..." The Bible is full of instructions to "Fear the Lord," and when we see an example of someone who really does, the Lord gently touches him and comforts him.  It is as if we can fear the Lord without any fear.  This kind of Jesus we all need.

I AM
"I am the first and the Last..." How deep and powerful those seven words are! He is the "First and Last" in the Bible, in history, the plan of mankind's salvation, in the purposes of heaven, in the activities of angles, and in the heart of God.

THE BIG QUESTION
We should ask ourselves, "What is Jesus to me?  Is he my first and last?"  Making Jesus our First and last means many things.  It may mean to make his agenda ours, or to see people like he does, or to consider him in our decisions.  We should ask, "Would it please Jesus if I did this or that."  We must consider, would Jesus be happy with how we are spending our time, or money.  "Would Jesus approve of this activity," and, "How would Jesus treat this person."

RESPONSE
The vision requires a response. We must decide to make Jesus our 'First and last." It is a good and wise decision. He is the "First and Last" with or without me. If we don't make Jesus our "First," We will look back at life someday and see ourselves winding up last.

To read this verse in other translations, follow this link: Revelation 1:17

© Adron 11/19/11

What Is The World's Biggest Need Today

The world is in such a mess with disasters on every side like global warming, nuclear threats, terrorism, war, famine, and more. The government says we need more taxes to fix this and that; others say education, social programs, laws, or money will fix our national and personal crisis- but our troubles are still there!

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose to understand than silver.” Proverbs 16:16.

The problems of our country and world are not solved in more money, laws, dialogue, education, or bigger guns, but men and women of wisdom. We need leaders with the Wisdom of Solomon, our communities need people who are wise, and each of us needs personal wisdom.

BETTER THAN GOLD
Wisdom was with God before creation and will be with us for eternity. Wisdom touches all areas of life. Wisdom will add to our happiness, bless our relationships, grow our business, improve our health and increase our personal satisfaction. It will keep us from bad choices, folly, and error. Wisdom will earn us respect in our communities, families, and jobs.

WISDOM DEFINED
Wisdom can be defined as “good sense” or “ability to make sensible judgments based on knowledge and experience,” also as “Exceptional insight in a particular matter.” For the believer, wisdom is more; it is “Knowing the heart of God in a matter and acting in accord with it.”

GET  WISDOM
We should “get wisdom” and “choose to understand." It doesn't just happen through solar radiation or osmosis. We must choose wisdom and apply effort to get it.

There is much wisdom in the Bible; therefore, choose to read it daily to search for personal wisdom.
     * Read the life of Jesus, who even as a child “grew in wisdom and stature.”(Luke 2:52).
     * God is the source of wisdom and gives it to those who ask, “If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”(James 1:5).
     * To respect God and his laws are the foundation of wisdom.“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But fools despise wisdom and discipline.”(Proverbs 1:7).
     * Wisdom requires humility and is never found in the proud or arrogant. "With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2.)

We all have many troubles and search for solutions. Let us seek personal wisdom through prayer and study the “scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Wisdom is there, and God offers it to us if we seek it.

To learn more about how to find salvation, follow this link to my other blog.

(c)Adron Dozat 5/10/11

What Is The Bible's Key to Happiness? Psalm 115:13

God Loves You

We look at those that are well off and think they are blessed.  Where do blessings come from, and how do we get them?

“The Lord remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike.” Psalm 115:12-13, NIV.

BLESSED
The Bible uses the word bless, blessed, or blessing many times; it is to have favor with God, gift or virtue that only God can give.

FROM GOD
This verse says "He will bless" four times. Blessing comes from God. You can look anywhere you want for blessings such as a relationship, job, wealth, marriage; success in something or in some way but blessing comes from Him. It seems Our Heavenly Father wants to bless without regard to status for the verse says "small and great."

FEAR THE LORD
Many are confused by the idea of fearing the Lord, and ask if He is a God of Love why he demands we fear him? But it is because He is a God of love...

• It is wise for us to fear his power. 
• It is good for us to live within the boundaries of his commandments. 
• It is safe and healthy to do right and not to do evil. 
• He is awesome and mighty and if he chooses he can execute unpardonable judgment. 

Whatever other reasons for fearing God the fact remains he does require us to fear him.

The paraphrased version helps a little here, it uses the word "Obey," giving the sense that fear of God is close to obeying Him. "The Lord will bless those who love and obey him from the smallest to the greatest." Psalm 115:13 Paraphrased.

ANYONE
Blessing is not just for a special people but anyone who fears the Lord will be blessed. "He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike."

The Bible tells us that blessing is available to any who fulfill God's requirement. This requirement is not out of reach of any person, God asks us to “Fear the Lord.”

Besides who would not want to have the blessing of The Almighty? Though He asks for obedience, service, respect, and an appreciation of His awesome power, He is worthy of all these things and we should be glad to give it.  That He is going to bless us for it is incredible!   He does not need to but He has promised to.

To learn about how to have a relationship with God follow this link to my other blog.

____________________________

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.  For more like this see the most popular post in the sidebar, or use the search box above.  

Adron

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(c)Adron Dozat

The Compassion of God. Psalm 103:13 – 14.

Does your life seem like no one is on your side and understands your difficulty?

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13 – 14. NIV.

Compassion is to have sympathy for someone’s suffering but not just feelings- it involves doing; it is when sympathy moves us to tender actions of kindness. God the Father has such compassion for us. The most compassionate thing God did was to send His own Son to die on the cross for us to pay for our sins and free us from sin’s power and judgment. Through this supreme act of compassion, we can become His children.

A father’s compassion is powerful. A judge can have compassion toward a lawbreaker but that is calculated compassion without affection. Mothers have tender compassion but it is not the same mix as a father’s compassion. A father’s compassion has to balance authority, love, insight, and muscle, so it is a very powerful force.

To the faithful, the Fear of God is not like the terror of the child in the dark stormy night. It is respect and reverence; it is a realistic assessment of who The Almighty is. The fear of God is a call for personal humility. It requires us to live a life of keeping God in each decision and action.

This fear is in a compassionate God and Father who knows firsthand how we are formed. He has intimate knowledge of how we are fashioned and how our personalities, our needs, and psyches are made. He understands us all the way to the smallest synapses of neuron cell, He knows us the way God would, yet He remembers we are dust. We are made out of the ordinary and the mundane. How often we forget that we are created out of the common dust of the earth!

We forget many things, sometimes only for a moment or for good; but He remembers without the slightest lapse. God remembers your weakness so He takes it all into account in his dealings with you. He does not ever, ever forget how you are formed and so He will never test or try you beyond your ability. He knows your limits and measures them with His compassion.

P.S. Don’t let the compassion of God slip by. If you have not received Jesus as Savior then tell Him now you grieve for your sins that put him on the cross and receive His gift of salvation.

For digital downloads follow this link CLICK HERE, 

(c) Adron 6/3/10