DECEMBER 22

OUR PERSONAL PROMISES

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Psalm 116:15

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (those who die as believers only in the death sacrifice of Jesus to pay for their sins, and not what they have done.)

Romans 8:24-25

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”

(The Greek word that is commonly translated “hope” actually means “Promise” or “surety”.  It’s not like we use the word “hope”….(“I hope it doesn’t rain today”)  To them, the word was a sure thing.  There is no doubt in their minds that the redemption of our bodies will happen. The Word of God promises it to believers many times.)

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

2 Corinthians 5:8

“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

2 Peter 3:13

“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Isaiah 57:15

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”

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This month we will read choices from Charles Spurgeon’s (known affectionately as the “prince of preachers”)  devotional, “Beside Still Waters.”   It’s no secret that this world system is getting more evil by the day.  We have to stand strong in the Lord and look to Him more than ever to get through, and to be guided through, what is in the future……..known and allowed  by Him alone…..as well as whatever personal things we are experiencing in our lives.

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PASTOR SPURGEON:

Suppose that you are a professional gardener, responsible for a garden that is not yours.  You take great care of several prize rose bushes.  You fertilize, water, prune, and train them.  Now that they are blooming in great beauty, you take considerable pride in them.

One morning, you come into the garden and find that the best rose has been taken.  You are angry and accuse your fellow workers of taking it.  They declare their innocence, saying that they had nothing to do with it.  But one says, “I saw the master walking here this morning I think he took it.”

Is the gardener still angry?  No, he immediately says, “I am pleased that my rose’s beauty attracted the master’s attention.  That rose was his, and he has taken it.  Let him do what seems good.”

It is the same with your loved ones.  They did not die by chance.  The grave is not filled by accident.  People die according to God’s will.  Your child is gone, but the Master took her.  Your husband is gone, but the Master took him.  Your wife is buried, but the Master took her.

Thank God that He let you have the pleasure of caring and tending for them while they were here.  Thank Him that as He gave, He Himself has taken.

If you believe in God, you may grieve, but only grieve as Paul told us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14:

“ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no promise.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

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Thee at all times I will bless;

Having thee I all possess;

How can I bereaved be,

Since I cannot part with Thee.

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