Tag: citizens of heaven

God’s Covenant Love

On By SkyIn Relationship, Uncategorized3 Comments
“I will maintain My love for him forever, and My covenant with him will be firm.”
(Psalms 89:29, TLV)

More than ever, I feel it is of importance to bring our minds the remembrance of the expanse of God’s Love.

Our Father is faithful to us.

He rewards us openly, all because of His loyalty toward us.

Although, if we are unfaithful in our covenant with Him.. “If his sons forsake My Torah, and do not walk in My judgments”..(Psalms 89:31, TLV), then we will face chastisement (See Hebrews 12:7).

“We must allow the Word of God to correct us the same way we allow it to encourage us.” – A.W. Tozer

YET despite this correction. God does not change.  He will never not love us.

“But I will not withdraw My lovingkindness from him, nor will I betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant, nor alter what My lips have uttered. Once for all I have sworn by My holiness —surely I will not lie to David— his descendants will endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me, and as the moon, established forever, and a trustworthy witness in the sky.” Selah

(Psalms 89:34‭-‬38, TLV)
“The secret of Adonai is for those who fear Him. He makes His covenant known to them.” (Psalms 25:14, TLV)

To understand God’s covenant love,  is to fear Him. You will take the time to seek Him out,  spend time with Him, and hear what He has to say. In the verse above, Psalms 25:14, the word for fear is from the Hebrew word יָרֵא ‘yare’. You can find it in the Strongs concordance (3373) and it means fear or reverence. When it speaks on these terms it is referring to morality. As human beings, we ourselves have come up with moral codes to stand by in our society. Such as telling the truth, do not steal, and keep your oaths. Actually, a lot of these values we hold, stemmed from a Biblical origin. If you take a look at the Ten Commandments for example, you will see many similarities between what God had instructed man to carry out and what our current civilization expects. So ultimately, we know there are things we must follow accordingly if we want this life to go as smoothly as it can. Unfortunately though, there are too many who have gone astray and do not have the fear of God in them. Some fear man but not the One who made man in the first place.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but one who trusts in Adonai will be kept safe.”

(Proverbs 29:25, TLV)

God’s Love is how I know He has not given up on me. Personally,  I am undeserving. He has been faithful during my times of faithlessness. Unwavering, when I have been moved. And comforting when I’ve been pushed by every side. Have you experienced the same in your life during the trials? All of these traits are signs of the Holy Spirit in our lives. While God may be unseen to the naked eye,  He is shown through His actions, love, truth, and creation. I hope this encourages you to see His love for you and everyone around you again.

“that the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, our glorious Father, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in knowing Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what is the richness of His glorious inheritance in the kedoshim, and what is His exceedingly great power toward us who keep trusting Him—in keeping with the working of His mighty strength.”
(Ephesians 1:17‭-‬19, TLV)

Eternity

On By SkyIn hope, Uncategorized2 Comments
“No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.”
(Revelation 22:3, NLT)

I’ve thought of the Revelation 22:3 verse before and I pondered on the fact there will be no curse. It says there will be no curse on anything. Which goes to show that this curse is not just on mankind but it is intertwined through most things on this earth. Which is why even creation groans for the new to come. Even creation anticipates God’s promises (Romans 8:22). Also thinking about that this sin caused a curse… makes you realise a lot of the things that trouble us or upset us are not only temporal but are they even really a reality or truth? When you think of someone putting a curse on something its a spiritual thing for sure. An invisible action that caused a physical change.  It reminds me when God says in the future He will bring the people a strong delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:11) and they will believe a lie. This sounds like a curse no? Curses are more common that we perceive. Yet when we will be present at the throne of God and of the Lamb it will no longer exist. What a breath of fresh air that will be in itself.

“Hope, in the biblical sense, means certainty and assurance. It is the firm, unshakable, indomitable belief that we will be raised from the dead (as Jesus was) and will be welcomed into out eternal home. That’s enough to put joy in our heart and a spring in our step this day!”

David Roper from Our Daily Bread
“And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.”
(Romans 8:23, NLT)

So we have an amazing hope! Hope is defined for us in Romans 8:25. Hope is looking forward to something we don’t have yet, and because we don’t have it yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. Although, do we do this? Do we wait for our hopes in this fashion? I don’t really think we do. We moan, we get tired, and we complain. A few days ago, a friend Hannah and I pondered a thought, “Once we’re in heaven, we’ll wonder why we weren’t even more excited about going there.” I think that’s why God often commands us to be joyful in hope. It often seems hard to celebrate, but when we focus on eternity on high versus temporal down low, it will become a good habit to exhibit.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
(Colossians 3:2, KJV)

God says it best in His Word,

“For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:3‭-‬6).

I encourage you all to read and pray over this chapter of Colossians. May God bless you and grant you His peace, mercy, and love.

Life

On By SkyIn Faith, Hardships, Relationship, Uncategorized12 Comments
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

There are so many challenges these days. I often feel alone in my faith with God and it truly saddens me. If you have people around you to love God with despite the world’s circumstances be thankful.

Faith is believing the unseen. Faith is standing on God’s word regardless of the right now, because God tells the truth. He cannot nor will not lie (Numbers 23:19). The “right now” is this world and this world is not forever. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35/Mark 13:31).

According to His promise, we are awaiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13/Revelation 21:1). We often forget this very thing … God created all things.

“and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
(Colossians 1:17)

Time, space, gravity, earth, and so on. He created. He is outside of the things that limit us. *Limits us* not Him. For He even created life itself. If it weren’t for Him and Him alone, we would simply not exist.

“How completely satisfying to turn from our own limitations to a God who has none.”

-A.W. Tozer

Knowing this, this Life Bearer, and meditating on this truth, is what uplifts me to continue treading on. It was Him who gave us this life. It was He who chose us from the beginning. Hand picked and hand knitted. He knew where we would be in this very moment. What we have dealt with or are dealing with are of no surprise to the Almighty.

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalms 139:13‭-‬16)

“You may not see it yet, but God has all the right pieces to make the puzzle of your life fit together.”

Sermon Quotes

God knew. He saw our future. He sees our potential. He knows where we will be one day, and it won’t be here. It will be in glory with Him. Reigning for ever and ever in His presence. With that in mind, let us not grow weary. We got this.

By Faith

On By SkyIn Faith4 Comments

Exactly one year ago, on October 27th 2020, we spoke together about how faith is a risk. One year later in the year of 2021 a lot has occurred in just that short amount of time. I cannot
fathom enough how important faith truly is. Faith is SO important to God, and I feel the Spirit of
the Lord leading me today to express that.


As always, the Word of God is the best place to go to explain:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by
it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the
universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of
things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than
Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by
accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch
was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had
taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.”
(Hebrews 11:1-5, ESV)


Hebrews chapter 11 is an extraordinary example of how many have led their walk with
God in faith. It also shows how walking out in this faith is rewarding, especially with your
relationship with God the Father. I couldn’t recommend enough to thoroughly read
Hebrews 11 in it’s full context for yourself. Whether you haven’t read it yet, or need a
refresher. It will encourage you to keep contending!


“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to
God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
(Hebrews 11:6, ESV)


Are we not a people that want to be pleasing to God? Do you want to be a sweet aroma
(Song of Solomon 4:11) to God? When you approach God, how is it that you want to
present yourself? How will He see you? Did you know faith is a spiritual gift? (1
Corinthians 12:9)


Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John
14:1, ESV). When Jesus left the earth and ascended to heaven He promised us
something. He exclaimed that the reason He left was to prepare a place for us. A home
with no more crying, no more pain, no more thirst. At this new home we will have
everything we need. We will no longer need to worry about tomorrow.


Sounds like a beautiful promise right? Yet to attain this promise Jesus made it very
clear. We must have faith. Jesus explained to Thomas, “I am the Way, and the Truth,
and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, ESV). You may not understand faith right away and faith may seem a bit risky, but it is your faith
that will save you (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is your faith that will heal you (Mark 5:34; Acts
3:16). Your faith will secure you (Proverbs 20:28), make you righteous (Romans 3:22), it
will strengthen you (Romans 4:20), and most importantly, give peace between you and
God (Romans 5:1)!


The most important thing you could ever have faith in is Jesus.
“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Phillip? Whoever has seen
me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9, ESV). Do you recognize who Jesus is? If so, He is asking you today to have faith in Him. Without Him, there is no salvation. You will not inherit the promises of the coming kingdom. I promise.

Radical Love

On By SkyIn Uncategorized2 Comments
“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
(Matthew 5:39, ESV)
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”
(Matthew 5:40, ESV)
“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
(Matthew 5:41, ESV)
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
(Matthew 5:42, ESV)
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”..
(Matthew 5:44, ESV)


“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:46-48, ESV

Jesus has called us to stand out from the world. This includes the way we react.

Before the Holy Spirit taught us new ways from our prior, we thought certain reactions were acceptable.

Yet as you see, we are to be the bigger person. Though hard, we are to reflect the same love that God provides. This reflection shows the world whom we belong. For He explains that when we go against the normal and decide to use our actions supernaturally, we then even sharpen our own iron. Like Father, like son. Like Father, like daughter.

This world will never see what God intends for it to if we as Christians sit on the back burner, be hypocrites, and not apply what we are told in the Word to everyone we encounter.

We won’t become better versions of ourselves either if we continue to give ourselves excuses as well.

Our neighbors, our enemies, may not have the push they need for a heart change, if we aren’t moving in the perfectiveness of our faith.

Radical love teaches us to get out of our natural habits. To love beyond our natural capabilities. They are unnatural responses to unjust circumstances. Every heartache, set back, and discouragement, is an opportunity. Let us be like our Father, and use what the enemy means for harm, for good.

I am defeated

On By SkyIn Bible study, Enemies, Faith, Hardships, Relationship4 Comments
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3, ESV)

I feel defeated. What do I do?

“As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.”
2 Timothy 4:5

Reading in 2 Timothy this morning I noticed something. Whether the timing for us is favorable OR unfavorable we should still be proclaiming God’s message.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Every one, no matter the age, goes through rough waters. We all have seasons of weariness and doubts. Yet what is important during the fight is to keep striving, even if we feel like we can’t. Even if we lose the sense of purpose. We are urged to to endure this suffering. Urge sounds pretty urgent,  persistent,  important. Doesn’t it?

He doesn’t just urge us, but solemnly urges. This is with deep sincerity. God isn’t just trying to pump you up or motivate you, but instead genuinely strengthen you and show His consistent faithfulness.

Our Father has more faith in us than we do ourselves. Proclaim the message. Keep the faith.  People will always do their way, everyone has a choice, yet, You as a child of God have a mission. You have a direct order from the Commander in Chief Jesus Christ. Carry out your ministry…fully!

Finish the race.

“From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8, NRSV)

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
(2 Timothy 4:18)

Prayer

On By SkyIn Uncategorized1 Comment
“Prayer ushers you into a relationship with your Creator that impacts and reveals who you are as a person at the most profound levels.”- Charles F. Stanley

There is so much one could say about prayer. Prayer can do big things, or small. Prayer is also connection. Connection with the most important Being in the entire universe. How ever big that even is.

With prayer, comes humility. It allows us to lower ourselves and come to a God that is so much more than ourselves. It detaches us from the bustling world and brings us to a quiet space of intimacy.

You may know of the frequent times Jesus had often wandered away to do just that.

“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”

(Luke 5:16, KJV)

From The Gift of Prayer by Charles Stanley, he says it perfectly, “Your life was made to be an earthen vessel that shines forth His glory (2 Corinthians 4:7). And the more you know Christ and are unified with Him, the more He lives His life through you, giving you His power and revealing His plan for you.”

You see, prayer isn’t just a time for you to ask for all the things you desire. Prayer is a way for you to have the most important relationship of your life! Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” God and His kingdom come first! Did you know as a child of God you are already a citizen of His kingdom? You no longer belong to the worries of this world.

“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.“

(John 18:36, BSB)

& although this kingdom Jesus speaks of is not of this realm, we have access to it everyday. Jesus tells us so, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there’! For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21,NKJV)

“What other creature exhibits such a capacity or has been given such an honor?”- Charles F. Stanley

Are you in awe yet?

You should be.

I am showing you this passage because it glorifies the LORD. It illustrates His essence. A snippet of who He is and what He has done/does. Isn’t it just beautiful how some One so extraordinary and unfathomable would genuinely want a loving relationship with you and I? What is man that You are mindful of him (Psalms 8:4)? For we are just dust (Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:19; Genesis 13:16; Genesis 18:27), yet you cover us in your blood (1 John 1:7), and cloak us with robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,  you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5)

My message for you all today is, be an opportunist. An opportunist is simply someone who takes on an opportunity. You take the chance that is given to you and take it. Luckily for us, right now we have every single day to seize the opportunity at hand.

P R A Y

Get to know God. Even more deeply than you do now. God insists that you do. He says in Jeremiah 9:24, “But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight”, says the Lord.” <- That is who He is and this is what He wants!

As for myself, I have been exploring my personal relationship with our Father. More so lately. The things I wonder about Him, I seek. The questions I have for Him, I ask. The worries I have, I lay them all at His feet. For He truly cares.

“He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him,

He shall see His face with joy.”

(Job 33:26, NKJV)

Taking on this challenge with God has done more than just be therapeutic for me. It is a continual learning process. I am learning how God speaks to me individually. I am learning how He speaks in general. Of what exactly He wants from me while we are here, and becoming more expectant to what He may reveal. It will not come all at once, as we may prefer (see Psalms 37:7), but I hope that this encourages you to maybe reach out to God on a new level. Fight against the distractions, the doubts, lies, or even laziness that is hindering your relationship. Trust your walk, trust where you are, and trust where you are going, because you are in safe Hands (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalms 46:10).

So as my journal says….

“Pray It Forward”