Step Into His Unstoppable Joy - Part 652

Well known author Max Lucado once wrote: "You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced. You aren't an assembly line product. [Rather] you were deliberately planned, specifically gifted and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman." 

There is only one Master Craftsman. That is, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who loved us from the beginning. "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save. He will rejoice over thee with joy. He will rest in His love for you. He will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

In the New Testament, Jesus expanded on this theme. He said, "Fear not, little flock: for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) In the same passage, Jesus uses an analogy that we could relate to. He tells the people -- "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. If then, God so clothe the grass which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you." 

Jesus' overall message was for us to seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness so that all these things shall be added unto us. Not like the nations of the world who seek after money and prestige but rather with believing faith in Jesus, assured that our heavenly Father knows what we have need of even before we ask.That Jesus knows our innermost desires -- our hearts.

In this context, we are encouraged to continue in the the things which thous hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (II Timothy 3:14-17)

Know too that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that men and women of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. We have been called into liberty. Therefore, walk in the Spirit. Be led of the Spirit because when we are led by the Spirit, we are no longer under the law. (Galatians 5:18)

And glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Wherein He abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him.

Further, trust in Him, in whom we have obtained an inheritance being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will, that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. Indeed, know that you have been sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:4-14)

Chosen before the foundation of the world according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise be to the glory of Jesus -- His grace wherein He hath made us totally acceptable in the beloved. Our sins -- past, present and future -- forgiven forever through the shedding of Jesus' precious blood. Stand in the offering plate.