Welcome to Pebbles of Perpetuity.

Together we will journey through the joys and trials of life under the covering of God’s grace. We are truly a blessed people. We have the living God as our Father. Our life’s journey will emphasize this truth in many ways. In dark times, when His grace and provision seem to falter, we are carried in the Everlasting Arms to ride out the storm. [Deuteronomy 33:26,27]

You might not be so sure of this. You might be in a place where you question His interest in you, and know nothing about a Plan for your life. Even as a Christian you may experience defeat and failure and complain that God is not there when you need Him. This place of doubt and fear always calls for a fresh insight in His Word and a leap of faith that will bring you to a place you never thought possible.

God’s plan for you and an understanding of your unique walk of faith, are revealed by hearing His voice and listening to His word spoken specially for you. He promises His presence, which is the key to victorious living. Hear the promise:

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;  the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. [Isaiah 33:6 NIV.]

A promise like this needs more than a passing glance. Take a moment and absorb the full content of the words. When we meditate, we fill ourselves with truth and our source for truth is the written Word of God. In contrast, other forms of meditation urge us to become “empty” to get in touch with the universe. We are always in touch with the Creator of the universe!

Our circumstances can never victimize us if we submit them to God. Only then can we live the most luxurious life possible – a life without fear. That comes by fixing your mind on the sure foundation and living from the inexhaustible source of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. Nothing is more valuable than the joy in which you are clothed as a child of God and the peace in your heart that surpasses all understanding, especially when circumstances dictate panic and fear.

Together we will delve into the written Word and discover the golden spoken Word, the sweet voice of our Lord, which is the only faith “currency” in the Kingdom of God.

The very first words of Jesus in his ministry are recorded as precisely the first ministry-words of John the Baptist, the voice that prepared the people for the Messiah.

Matthew 3:1,2:

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Mark 1:15: The words of Jesus.

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

We might think those words were spoken to the people of Judea and further, where Jesus walked and lived, but those very words are of the utmost importance and relevance to us today.

The word repent is defined as follows:

…to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude.

The Hastings Dictionary of the Bible brings us closer to the fuller meaning of turning around.

“Repentance for sin is commonly expressed by ‘turn’ or ‘return’ [in the OT]. Repentance [in the NT] is also considered as ‘an indispensable condition of salvation.’ The [Greek] word ordinarily used (metanoia) means literally ‘change of mind.’ The change, however, is one in which not the intellect only, but the whole nature (understanding, affections, will), is involved. It is such an altered view of God and sin as carries with it heartfelt sorrow for sin, confession of it, and decisive turning from it to God and righteousness.”

This extensive definition is very exciting. Is it possible that we can revolutionize our thinking and be so wise as to understand more than is revealed to the superficial?

The truth of the Word that touches our innermost being (spirit) will renew our thinking, so that we truly trust God for complete guidance in all aspects of our existence. Only by acquiring revelation knowledge, can we live effective, powerful and victorious lives. Knowledge that is supernaturally revealed is a gift of the Holy Spirit and is promised to everyone. [Isaiah 11:2, 1 Corinthians 12:8]

Repentance – the decision to turn and follow Jesus Christ – is the immigration into the invisible Kingdom that Jesus mentioned in Mark 1:15. This is a rational and conscious decision, not mysterious and not a vague emotion. Your decision to submit your life to Christ, has a powerful effect in the unseen, and therefore brings about a supernatural reaction.

Jesus explained this decision in John 3 when he met Nicodemus, the leader who came to Him by night, for a very profound conversation. The principles of spiritual rebirth spoken by Jesus that night long ago, form the foundation of our progress into the Kingdom.

Our decisions have supernatural and powerful consequences.

It is a challenge to think differently and to look deeper…deeper towards understanding.

 

Next time: You are precious and He loves you.