For thought and meditation

[rl69]

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.—Philippians 1:6 (http://harvest.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f108f827aed8d503b5fca9fa&id=d0b6aa360f&e=3dd732485b)Sometimes I start projects with great enthusiasm, only to lose interest and move on to something else. I'm thankful God never does that with us. He always completes what He starts. In Hebrews 12:2 we are told we should be "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." God finishes what He begins.

But sometimes the Devil whispers into a believer's ear, "You're not going to make it as a Christian. You're going to crash and burn." That is a lie. The Bible says that God "is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24). And we are told in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Storms will come into every life, into the lives of both believers and nonbelievers. The rain will fall and the winds will blow. But it is only the child of God who can lay hold of Romans 8:28 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/x-apple-data-detectors://1), which says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Nonbelievers can quote that verse if they'd like, but it has no relevance to them whatsoever. Only Christians can lay hold of that promise.

Storms come and storms go. For some, life itself is one long storm. They may be facing very difficult circumstances. It could be a disability. It could be some tragedy that has befallen them and has altered their very existence.

There is hope, because no matter what you are going through right now, storms don't last forever. God is in control. You will get to the other side

[Blackwater]

Another great one, RL. I am constantly surprised with non-believers who seem to have a concept of God as being no more than us mortal man. That just can't make sense, no matter how often they repeat it. God is SO much more than we are, and He indeed does finish what He starts. It may not be on the schedule we want, but He always completes His work, every time, always, no exceptions. Sometimes, though, it's us who simply fail to recognize His will and plans, and misinterpret things, usually due to our willful nature. But it's a great assurance for believers to know that God IS perfect, and never fails. WE might, but He never will.

[buckwheatpaul]

rl69, Thanks for the post....I am secure in my having Christ as my Savior and that the only way to God is through Him. When I turned it over to Christ and God my life got easier and even though I have some storms it is comforting to have THEM with me as I weather them....thanks for the mini-Bible study.....Paul

[USMC87]

Excellent study, Goes right along with Jude 1:1 that says we are kept by Christ to be presented to Christ at HIS appearing.

[smoked turkey]

Yes that is a good thought for today. In my life I sometimes tend to ride the Roll-a-Coaster with my emotions. Sometimes I handle problems in a positive sort of way. Others not so much. What I always need to understand is that nothing that happens to me takes God by surprise. Also that Romans 8:28 confirms that God is always at work in our behalf..."And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."