Pride is instinctive to human nature. So boasting, no matter how we may attempt to disguise it, flows from our core as effortlessly as breathing. We simply need to express who we are and what we’ve accomplished—“wise, strong or rich,” as the Lord explains in Jeremiah 9:23. Still, there seems to be a place for boasting. God goes on to say: “let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.

The key here is to redirect the glory away from ourselves, and on to God. Paul makes it all very clear in 2 Corinthians 11 &12, “If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.” “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness,” the Lord Jesus proclaims.

What if you were invited to a party of a lifetime, so lavish, so impressive, that everyone who knew you would be green with envy? Why him? What did he do to deserve such an honor?
Maybe you have been asked, but just don’t know it! The truth is, a priceless invitation has delivered by God Himself not just to you but everyone on earth. Invited to what? To an eternity united with God for an indescribable life you never dreamed possible: the party of all parties!

Yes, whether you are aware of it or not, you’ve been invited. The question is, “Who’s listening?” Are you among those who genuinely seek the truth? And if so, are you asking the right questions? Just what is required of me to be included with those who will enjoy eternity in heaven? Jesus said it well in the Bible: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

From: The Path through the Maze—Answering Life’s Ultimate Question: What Happens After We Die?

“By revelation there was made known to me the mystery…” Ephesians 3:3. Paul was given special insight that he might communicate God’s purpose to us all. But was it to stop there? Yes and no! Certainly Paul was given sum of God’s truth, but we receive that truth by personal “revelation” ourselves. We’ll never “get it” without the Holy Spirit’s help in opening our heart and mind to “…all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding.”

We need to pursue truth by investing personal time with God. Only then will He reveal “…God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom an knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3.

“Why do you stand afar off, O Lord? Why do you hide Yourself in times of trouble? David writes in Psalm 10:1. What Paul describes as “momentary light affliction” in 2 Corinthians 4:17 never feels “light” and it is rarely “momentary” in our perception of time. Yet viewed from God’s perspective it is both.

Times of testing come in every Christian’s life. They are always bewildering, making us wonder if God is there and if He really understands. Ultimately, though, we find that He has always been present, watching and listening. Will we respond as He desires? After all, it’s all for our benefit, since the Scripture goes on to say that it is “producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” We need merely to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (v.18).

“…you are not your own. For you have been bought with a price…” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

When we think of worship, we often view it as singing together at a gathering, which can indeed be a powerful and fulfilling experience. But what is worship, really? Consider Romans 12:1. “…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice…which is your spiritual service of worship.”

What a price God paid to purchase us, that He Himself might dwell within us–a living temple. Is it any wonder, then, that He goes on to say in verse 20: “…therefore glorify God in your body?” What might this mean for your life today?

What Christian doesn’t yearn to be free from the nagging presence of sin–the grinding reality of a redeemed life pitted against our self-serving flesh in this sin-riddled  world. Thankfully, God has made provision for our sin. The purpose of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice is to impart God’s own righteousness to us, in spite of our sinful nature.

Because we now belong to Him, we don’t need to earn God’s favor. We already have it! God showers His grace on us, making His righteousness our own. By His grace alone we are given the unbridled capacity for intimacy with God, in spite of the weakness of our flesh.

What is our life in Christ really all about? It’s about being as opposed to doing. God created us in His image to be someone. So if our relationship with God is all wrapped up in doing stuff for Him we’ve missed the point. A life lived in a manner pleasing to God must begin with intimacy with Him, pursuing Jesus in a way that builds our one-on-one relationship with Him. Yes, doing is very important, but it should always stem from first being what God intended.

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all. Bless the Lord you His angels, mighty in strength, you who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word. Bless the Lord all you His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the Lord all you works of His, in all places of His dominion, bless the Lord O my soul. (Psalm 103: 19-22)

The prime theme of the entire Bible is not only God’s glory–that has eternally been established throughout all creation–but that we are to be about glorifying Him with every aspect of our lives. Live in a manner worthy of Him, the Apostle Paul says. Bless Him. Pursue the Lord Jesus Christ, you His chosen ones!  

As for man, his days are like grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; and its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children. To those who keep His covenant, and remember His precepts to do them. (Ps.103: 15-18)

Do you ever feel like your life is going nowhere? The days pass and you wonder if it all means anything? I think this is what David was experiencing–his life just blowing away like dead grass. Yet he knew that his Savior lives, and that his ultimate reward would be amazing. Hang on to God, serve Him with all the obedience and fervor you can muster. Your reward will be great!

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. (Psalm 103: 11-14)

Are any of you parents? When your child messes up does your love shut off? Of course not! Knowing that he or she is simply immature, your compassion and devotion come to the forefront–even though you may need some time to simmer down. So it is in our relationship with God. He realizes that we are “but dust” and takes our nature into consideration as He goes about the process of molding our character to His image. He has removed our faults and weakness–our sin–as far away from Himself as can possibly be imagined. Now that’s a deal!