Thoughts for Life: My Rainbow in the the Cloud

"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:13).

It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right-standing relationship with Him, and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn’t God save me? (Google image, Real rainbow).

He has accomplished and provided for my salvation, but I have not yet entered into a relationship with Him. Why doesn’t God do everything we ask? He has done it. The point is— will I step into that covenant relationship?

All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into a relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant.

Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship.

Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God, just as God goes beyond Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God— a very rare thing.

We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, “Now I believe.” There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, “Look to Me, and be saved . . . ” (Isaiah 45:22).

When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal achievement—no human ingredient in it at all.

Instead, there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.

(Emphasis added)
My Rainbow in the Cloud by Oswald Chambers

[From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition]

Let's pray-

Father, it is Your will that we get into a right-standing relationship with You, so You put a rainbow in the cloud to remind us of Your covenant; designed for that purpose.
As all of Your great blessings are finished and complete, we see that we must enter into a relationship with You on the basis of this covenant.
Our fleshly unbelief shows up when we want You to do something for us so we'll trust in You.
But you won't do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship You've established.
We see that we must go beyond the physical body and feelings in our covenant with You, just as You go beyond Yourself in reaching out to us. It is a question of faith in You—which is a very rare thing indeed.
Help us move beyond our feelings, and experience what real faith is—trusting You for our needs in obedience to what Your word tells us.
May we let everything else go, so there's no sense of personal achievement—no human ingredient in our ability to submit to Your covenant.
Instead, may there be a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with You, so our lives are transformed and begin to radiate peace and joy.
In the matchless name of Jesus, our Savior we ask this. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

Matt. 6:6 (NKJV) "But you, when you pray, go
into your room, and when you have shut your
door, pray to your Father who is in the secret
place; and your Father who sees in secret will
reward you openly."

Ps. 111:9, 10 (NKJV) "He has sent redemption to
His people; He has commanded His covenant
forever: How awesome is His name. (v. 10) The
fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A
good understanding have all those who do His
commandments.

Ps. 109:27 (NKJV) "That they may know that this
is Your hand—That You, LORD, have done it!"

Today's quotes-

How to Gain Control of Your Kids’ Smartphone. . .

Without Losing Your Kids’ Hearts

~ JOHN STONESTREET

The solution is to use the challenge of smartphones to facilitate the mentoring kids need. The team at Axis has identified 100 different conversations that parents can have with their children about smartphones—100!

In fact, Axis has created three free videos for families, and we have them for you at BreakPoint.org/phone. These three videos will answer the questions:

Should I get my kid a phone? When?
What if they have one and it’s out of control?
How can I build and keep trust with them during this season of life?
How can I keep from being defensive about their phones and devices?

David and his team have thought more about smartphones and how to help parents than anyone I know. Go to BreakPoint.org/phone to view the videos.

~ Victoria Boyson- This is the HOUR TO REPENT!

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life" (Psalm 139:23-24).

"Pray and ask the LORD to show you the truth and expose any wickedness that's rooted in your soul. Be diligent in repentance and seek His mercy while He offers it. And may you accomplish all that GOD has for you to do while on earth, so that you will enjoy His pleasure for all eternity."

Today's guest post-

Overcoming Fear

David Egner: "My life was filled with anxiety and worry, but I was able to cover it up, like a lot of people do, until I had an experience that caused me to hit rock bottom . . ."

Today's sermon spotlight-

JANUARY 20, 2019