In this tumultuous world that we live in how do we find peace? How do we go one step farther and from the depth of our hearts live rejoicing? We have been looking at Philippians 4: 4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Paul said, Keep in mind, "The Lord is at Hand". We must remain focused on Him; His Sacrificial death on the cross which paid for our adoption into the family of God for all who accept and believe. We must remain focused on His promise of grace for our past, grace for this very moment and future grace which will hold us into eternity. We must remain focused on eternity–this present life is but a blink of the eye compared to eternity with Christ. We must remain focused on His imminent return when all the prophecies of revelations begin to unfold. That focus helps us to see today through the eyes of heaven.
used by permission Artwork by Ronald Barba ©2012
I told you last Friday that as a Christian you need to access your faith-meter by asking yourself six vital questions. 1.Do you believe that God is Good? 2. Do you believe that God is Sovereign? 3. Do you believe that God is omnipotent? 4. Do you believe that God will do all that He has promised? 5. Do you believe in Future Grace? and 6. Do you believe that God loves you?
We looked more deeply into the question of "Do you believe that God is Good?" last Friday. Let us now move onto the questions regarding your belief in God’s Sovereignty and Omnipotence.
2. Do you believe that God is Sovereign? The dictionary defines Sovereign as one who possesses supreme and permanent authority. Do you believe that God possesses supreme authority over your life and over all that happens on this earth? I went in search of the word Sovereign in the King James and could not find it; yet, when I searched in "The Living Bible", I found 5 instances of the word which increased my understanding. In Ephesians 1:11 it referred to "According to His will". All things happening in my life according to His will, His plan. Even those things which I do not understand, He has ordained. So, if His plan for my life is Good; why would I worry or fret. Another incidence in which the word Sovereign was found in Exodus 3:14 when God had said "I AM that I AM" I AM who I AM and will remain forever who I AM; unchanging and in full authority over all. I who created the universe will never change. My word is forever true. Do you believe that with all your heart, mind and soul? If we look in Exodus, when God had sent Moses to tell the Pharoah to let the Israelite nation go, God allowed the Pharaoh’s initial refusal. Why? Because it was more important to let the Egyptians and the Israelite nation learn of His Sovereignty and His Glory. They did not believe in God’s authority; therefore, He sent plagues upon the people of Egypt that they might learn of Him and know there is no other with sovereign authority. Exodus 9: "13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth." So, once more I ask, "Do You Believe That God is Sovereign?" Then why do you worry what others can do to you? Isaiah 54: "16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."
3. Do you believe that God is Omnipotent? Revelations 19: "6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:"
Can you like David say with all the earnestness of your heart? 1 Chronicles 29: "11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name."
Chris Tomlin sings a beautiful song that perfectly describes this titled "Sovereign".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNFmy6VHIKk (Preview)
Question: Do You Believe that God is Good, Sovereign, and Omnipotent?" Comment Here This will open the comment page, then scroll down to comment.
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork by Ronald Barba ©2012 used by written permission. Available at: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/ultimate-inspiration-gods-plan-of-love-ronald-barba.html
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”