In His Hands

~ Are You Content to Trust the Only Trustworthy One? ~    

The Psalmist stated, “My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31:15a).

background:  I consider myself very privileged to as a small boy been involved in a very fundamental local group of Christian believers. Many of my roots go back to those early years in my life. One of my all-time favorite hymns comes out of that period—the words may be dated but the message is very contemporary. 

Our times are in Thy Hand;

Father, we wish them there!

Our life, our souls, our all we leave

Entirely to Thy care.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Whatever they may be;

Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Why would we doubt or fear?

Our father’s had will never cause

His child a needless tear.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Jesus the crucified!

The hand our many sins have pierced

Is now our guard and guide.

Our times are in Thy hand;

O Lord, our Advocate!

Nor is that hand outstretched in vain,

For us to supplicate.

Our times are in Thy hand;

We’ll always trust in Thee,

Till we have left this weary land,

And all Thy glory see.

How about you? Do you consistently and confidently believe that your times are in God’s hands? Can you trust the Creator and sustainer of all (Colossians 1:15-17) with your life? 

Consider the Psalmists prayer. “Desperate, I throw myself on You: You are my God! Hour by hour I place my days in Your hand, safe from the hands out to get me. Warm me, Your servant, with a smile; save me because You love me. Don’t embarrass me by not showing up; I’ve given You plenty of notice. Embarrass the wicked, stand them up, leave them stupidly shaking their heads as they drift down to hell. Gag those loudmouthed liars who heckle me, your follower, with jeers and catcalls” (Psalm 31:14-18, The Message).

Can you pray and trust like the Psalmist? Most importantly, do you have confidence that whatever happens God is in control—your times are in His hands? Does that give you peace? 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Jesus Is…, 59

~ Jesus Christ Is Our Redemption~

Passage  ~  “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

Significance  ~  As a Christian you are God’s possession twice over.  First by His creation of you and secondly by His deliberate purchase of you. 

Comment  ~  It is important to understand what Scripture means by redemption.  The basic concept is to deliver by paying a price such as to purchase in a market (think of a slave market) or to buy back from the market (think of a pawn shop).  All people on earth belong to Jesus Christ on the basis of His creation.  The Christian also belongs to Jesus Christ on the basis of redemption—where He bought us back with the price of His own blood on the Cross of Calvary. 

Another inherent aspect of the Biblical concept of redemption is to be set free by another paying a price.  Jesus Christ set us free from being a slave to sin which enables us to live a new spiritual life through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. 

The Trinity & Redemption  ~  The love of the Father sent His Son to die for us.  The Son of God was obedient to the will of His Father and voluntarily died for our sins.  It is the Spirit of God that uses the Word of God to allow us to be set free from the bondage of sin and our past condition. 

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Salvation, 16

~ Interesting Aspects Of The Blessings Of Salvation ~

Salvation is not a Reward for the Righteous.

It is an available Gift for those who understand their Guilt!

The Promise Of The Blessing (is in Scripture)  ~  “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you’” (Hebrews 6:13-14).   

The Reception Of Blessing (is by faith)  ~  “Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’  So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Galatians 3:7-9).  

The Path Of Blessing (is obedience)  ~  Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).  Jesus also said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matthew 5:3-11).  

The Character Of Blessing (is spiritual)  ~  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  

The Outcome Of Blessing (is sanctification)  ~  “To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities” (Acts 3:26). 

The Consummation Of Blessing (is at Christ’s return)  ~  “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13-14).  Jesus said, ‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work’” (Revelation 22:12).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .