“…by Jesus Christ all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. ALL THINGS WERE CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM.” (Colossians 1:16) “In the beginning, the Word (Jesus) was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made BY HIM. Nothing that has been made was made WITHOUT HIM.” (John 1:1-3) He said, “all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the LORD. “But ON THIS ONE WILL I LOOK: On him who is POOR (‛ânı̂y: humble, lowly, needy) and of a CONTRITE (nâkeh: showing sincere remorse, feeling extremely sorry) SPIRIT, And WHO TREMBLES (chârêd: fearful, afraid) at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2)
TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION THE LORD WE NEED TO BE:
- POOR IN SPIRIT: “Blessed are the POOR IN SPIRIT, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) When Job lost all his possessions he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD GAVE, and the LORD HAS TAKEN AWAY; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21) “…the LORD restored Job’s losses…Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10)
- OF A CONTRITE HEART: “HAVE MERCY upon me, O God…BLOT OUT my transgressions. WASH ME thoroughly from my iniquity, And CLEANSE ME from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight…” (Psalms 51:1-4) The prodigal son came home with a repentant heart and said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” (Luke 15:18-19) After Peter healed the lame man and the crowd had gathered, he told them, “Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
- TO HONOR AND TREMBLE AT HIS WORD: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) When the Bible refers to the “fear of the Lord,” it means having a deep respect, reverence and awe for God’s power and authority. “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding…Then you will UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF THE LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:5), (Proverbs 2:5) “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And WALKING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” (Acts 9:31)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham