ADD TO THIS LIST
Mirrors, telephones, eyeglasses, locks, TV, radios, telephone lines, traffic, noise, confusion, insurance, bills, misunderstandings, aches and pains, gyms, hopelessness, bad smell, ugly anything, waiting in lines, distractions, bad tastes, laundry, pride, anxiety, shame, guilt, loneliness, pride, fear, jealousy, hunger, thirst, regret, boredom, hospitals, or prisons, make up, sickness, news media, failure, danger, taxes,
As someone who seeks to integrate faith and intellect, I am fascinated by the profound mysteries of the universe and how they intersect with our understanding of Scripture. In particular, I find the concept of Jesus as the source of all life and energy to be both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. In this article, I will explore the scriptural perspective that supports the idea of Jesus as the primary force of life, the parent energy source from which all forms of energy derive.
The Scriptures reveal Jesus as the Creator of all things. In the Gospel of John, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1-3, NIV). This passage highlights Jesus as the Word of God, through whom everything in the universe was created. As such, Jesus holds a central role in the creative process, and all forms of life and energy find their origin in Him.
Furthermore, the Scriptures portray Jesus as the sustainer of all things. In the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul writes, “He [Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17, NIV). This passage emphasizes Jesus as the one who holds the universe together, sustaining its existence and maintaining its order. It suggests that Jesus is not only the Creator of all life and energy, but also the ongoing source of their sustenance.
The idea of Jesus as the primary force of LIFE aligns with the scientific understanding of energy as the fundamental force underlying all physical phenomena. According to the laws of physics, energy is neither created nor destroyed, but rather transformed from one form to another. It is the driving force behind all processes and activities in the universe, from the movement of celestial bodies to the biochemical reactions in living organisms. Energy is the foundation upon which the entire physical universe is built, and all forms of life and energy derive from it.
In light of this scientific understanding, the scriptural perspective of Jesus as the initiator of all life offers a compelling and holistic framework for understanding the interplay between science and faith. It does not posit a conflict between the two, but rather invites us to view them as complementary avenues of exploration. It suggests that the insights gleaned from scientific inquiry can enrich our understanding of Scripture, and vice versa. It encourages us to embrace a holistic worldview that integrates both our intellectual curiosity and our spiritual convictions, allowing them to inform and enrich each other.
The idea of Jesus as the source of all life also has practical implications for our faith and daily lives. It invites us to view all of creation, including ourselves, as imbued with the divine energy of Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 (KJV)Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. This verse reminds us that Jesus is not distant and disconnected from the physical universe, but rather intimately involved in every aspect of it. It encourages us to see the world around us, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast galaxies, as infused with the life-giving energy of Jesus. It challenges us to reorient our perspective on the natural world and see it as a manifestation of the divine presence. It calls us to stewardship and care for the environment, recognizing that all of creation is interconnected and sustained by the cosmic force of life, which is Jesus himself.
(written with help from ChatGPT)
Have you ever read the Old Testament and wondered why the concept of God seems to be so complex and multifaceted? Sure, God is presented as one, but there are hints of something more going on. Well, my friend, you’re not alone. Many have struggled with this apparent plurality of God in the Old Testament, and I’m here to help make sense of it all.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the Bible repeatedly affirms that there is only one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This statement is known as the Shema, and it has been central to Jewish and Christian monotheism for thousands of years. So, how can we reconcile this with the hints of a plurality of God in the Old Testament?
Well, the answer lies in understanding the nature of God. Christians believe that God is a triune being – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While this concept is not explicitly stated in the Old Testament, there are hints of it throughout.
One such hint is found in the very first chapter of the Bible. Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'” The use of the plural pronouns “us” and “our” suggests that there is more going on than just a solitary God. Some have suggested that this could be God speaking to angels or other heavenly beings, but this explanation doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the Bible’s teaching.
Another hint is found in the way that God is referred to in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for God is “Elohim,” which is a plural noun. While this could simply be a plural of majesty, it’s interesting to note that other words for God, such as “El” and “Yahweh,” are singular. This suggests that there is something unique about the word “Elohim.”
So, what does all of this mean? Well, it suggests that God is not a solitary being, but exists in some kind of plurality. This plurality is later revealed in the New Testament as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not to say that the Old Testament authors were aware of the full complexity of God’s nature, but rather that they were given hints and glimpses of it by the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 30:4 is another passage that hints at a plurality within God’s nature. The author of Proverbs writes, “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!” The mention of both God’s name and his son’s name suggests that there is more than one person within God’s nature. Again, while this passage does not explicitly mention the Trinity, it does provide another hint at the plurality of God.
In conclusion, while the concept of the Trinity is not explicitly spelled out in the Old Testament, there are hints and glimpses of it throughout. These hints suggest that God is not a solitary being, but exists in some kind of plurality. As Christians, we believe that this plurality is revealed in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While this may seem like a complex and confusing concept, it is at the heart of our faith and helps us to understand God’s nature and character more fully.
God’s will toward each of His children is far better than most of us have ever imagined. Our Creator desires for us to live rich, fulfilled, purposeful and meaningful lives. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” If you are a Believer, you must believe that God‘s plan for your life is perfect because that’s what his Word says. Our God is a good Father who created a custom designed life for us that matches beautifully with the interests and desires that He has placed within our hearts. God desires to transform each of us from tired, angry, fearful, and sorrowful people into energetic, joyful, peaceful and faith-filled people. Imagine your life full of restful purpose and meaning, pulsating with joyous energy and a clear mind. The Lord has shown us what we can expect if we simply believe His outrageous words. He has provided us a written plan and has promised us good results if we believe and act on it.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This is the key and the method needed to transform our lives into what God designed. We are transformed by the renewing of our mind. God‘s design requires our involvement in order to see personal transformation. When we spend time meditating in God’s Word our mind is renewed and we prove to ourselves that God’s plan for us is good, perfect and acceptable. If you allow the supernatural Word of God to change you on the inside then you will see your outside life greatly improve also. Proverbs 23:7a (KJV) “For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he.” You become what you focus on in your heart! If we fail to do the ONE THING that is required then transformation will not happen.
God’s Word is actually alive and when applied it will transform your entire life. The supernatural Word touches the natural soul and the natural soul is changed. ( Hebrews 4:12). The way to transformation is to keep looking at the Word (Jesus). 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen [are] temporary, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. You need to realize that it is in the “eternal” things where the power of change resides.
If you think about it you experience your life in your soul. The soul is where we experience fear, anger, sadness, and disgust. It is via the soul that you reason, think, judge, remember, desire, and imagine. It’s also where we experience anticipation, wonderment, surprise and happiness. It’s no wonder that the condition of our soul affects the elevation of our life. The Word in you will greatly reduce and eliminate your fears, anxieties, worries, loneliness, tiredness, shortsightedness, and shame. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The more we see Jesus in the Word, the more we are transformed into His image. 1 John 3:2 (NIV) “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” One day we will see Him face to face and we will immediately and completely be transformed into His image! In the meantime, your earthly life is changed over time as you allow the Word to do it’s work.
Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
This proverb states a general truth but has specific personal applications that will profit us. The Bible tells us that God’s specific plan for your life is perfect in every way. Because God‘s plan for our lives is perfect, any deviation from the plan would naturally diminish our lives. Because his plan is good and perfect we want that for our lives. The correction and instruction in this proverb has been provided by God. If God is correcting us then that would indicate that we’ve stepped off the path that he’s ordained for us. When the Lord corrects us he is warning us that we’ve stepped off the path that he’s prepared for us. Clearly it’s stupid to reject correction that will elevate our lives. Clearly it’s foolish to think that we know better than the God who created us.
That is such a great question. That question really goes to the root of understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Because it starts there – relationship. You are currently right now in an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. The debt and judgment and penalty and weight of our sin was fully carried by Jesus on the cross. Our fellowship with our father is not based on how well we perform. We have been declared “righteous“ in the heavenly courts! Meditate on that for a few minutes and see what it does to your relationship with God.
Learn to roll all your care over on him. Jesus said his yoke is easy and his load is light. We are not doing God any service when we insist on carrying some of the load. Jesus urges us to roll over our cares on him. This pleases him. As you roll over your care you will find yourself with a “lightness” about you. You experience peace and joy when you get rid of your load and trust in Jesus. You come to deeply appreciate what Jesus has done for you and enjoy God at a deeper level when you are not carrying around that weight of guilt.
The more you “know” these truths, the more elevated your life becomes. As your mind becomes renewed to this truth, you have less and less a consciousness of sin. You come to fully realize that there is no condemnation for you in this world. You see more clearly that there is no obstacle hindering you from a completely transparent and far more intimate relationship with God. In fact, all of God‘s power and favor are operating for your benefit. So to answer your question, your enjoyment of your relationship with your heavenly father will continue to grow the more aware you become of how good Jesus actually is and what he’s done to purchase a victorious life for you.
Ask yourself this question: Is there any fear in my life? The answer to this question will always be “yes” because we all experience some level of fear. I believe that we all undergo the effects of fear even more than we are consciously aware of. I believe that medical science is just starting to scratch the surface in understanding the negative ramifications that fear causes in our body, our mind, and our life in general. Fear inhibits us from initiating contact with other people, it impedes our ability to take positive action in our lives and it tamps down our desire for adventure. Clearly our lives would be greatly enhanced if our fears were eliminated or greatly reduced. Because the scriptures tell us repeatedly not to fear we know what God’s will is in regard to fear. He wants it completely out of our lives. So if we realize that we have fear that greatly diminishes our life experiences and God wants that fear removed then why is it still there? Are we so insane that we will accept weakened and debilitated lives because we choose not to believe our heavenly Father? Since we desire a fear-free abundant life wouldn’t it behoove us to find out from the scriptures God’s way of getting rid of our fear?
As believers in Jesus Christ we know that we have the Spirit of God who will guide and direct us into all Truth. He has given us the Word of God to transform us as we partner with Him. All of God’s Word is true and it is appropriated into our lives through faith. Our part is to mediate on the promises of God and to believe that what He said about us is true. As we spend time in His presence mediating on His Word we will receive deeper revelation of the Truth.
1 John 4:18 (NIV) “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives (casts) out all fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” What is said here is quite stunning. Do not gloss over it so quickly. He is telling us that all fear will be driven out of our lives as we become perfected in love. This is the point at which many in the church go off into a ditch. They start doubling their efforts to love God and their fellow man more. However this verse is not about our love toward God but about God’s love towards us. This is a huge distinction and one that should be noted clearly. Fears shrinks in our lives the more that we understand the depths of God’s love towards us. Many believers see God as harsh and unloving. They think that God is waiting to punish them whenever they step out of line.
We understand a bit more about this as we look into the verse that precedes this one. 1 John 4:17 (KJV) 17 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.” Our love is perfected in this world as we come to realize that “as He is so are we.” That is one of the promises of God that simply staggers the imagination. Actually it is not a promise at all but a fact. God is telling us that when He looks at us He see Jesus! As Jesus is right now – glorified, seated at the right hand of God far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, free of shame and condemnation – so are we. We have been placed in Christ Jesus. Jesus was punished for our sins once and for all and He will never need to be punished again. Jesus took our full punishment and we have been declared righteous in the courts of heaven. This is the crux of the gospel. Fear will flee as we keep our eyes on Jesus and we become mindful that we are now under the unclouded favor of our Father.
Favor is God’s full attention and power committed to prospering me in all areas of my life according to 3 John. By grace’s very definition ‘unmerited favor’ it means there is nothing that I can do to earn that favor. If there is nothing that I can do to earn the favor then there’s nothing that I can do that would disqualify me from walking in the full blessing and favor of God in all areas of my life. All I have to do is BELIEVE that what God said He will do, He will accomplish. The only “sin” that you can commit that would disqualify you would be the sin of unbelief. The sin of unbelief doesn’t disqualify you but rather it interferes with the manifestation of favor in your life. If you think about it, the only reason that you would doubt that you receive would be because you thought that you didn’t deserve it or maybe you believed that you did something to disqualify you from receiving. Therefore, if you just take God at His Word, nothing you can do can stop His blessing from manifesting in your life.
This is how spiritual law works. Just as gravity is a physical law — faith is a spiritual law. Faith works every time it is put to work. Everything in the physical realm was birthed from the spiritual realm. In order for God to manifest his multiple blessings in the physical realm in your life He needs you to operate in faith. Faith is the key that opens the floodgates so that the blessings can flow in. God has already blessed us with every blessing and earthly favor but you need to release it into your life. You unlock the floodgates by faith in God’s goodness and in knowing that His desire is to pour out blessings and favor on you. It’s faith in the integrity of God’s Word knowing that what He said He will do. It’s faith in understanding that God’s power is more than enough to deliver you, promote you, provide for you or heal you. The key to walking in faith is to let go of fear and worry. As you let go of any worry that you have you are demonstrating that you have faith that God is in control. As you let go of any fear that you have then you are showing your faith in your Father. “All things are possible to him that believes”
Pride is defined as taking satisfaction in one’s own achievements. Humility is to trust God alone to achieve in us and through us. The proud man is self-reliant but the humble man is reliant upon God. Joseph Prince says it best when he says “When we work, God rests and when we rest, God works.” God wants us to completely trust in Him and come to Him for every want, need or desire.
Proverbs 3:34. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Our part is to rest and to believe that God will do what he promised to do for us. Rest means to cease from our own efforts to accomplish something. The opposite of oppose is to aid, assist, favor, help, and support. This is what it means when it says that God gives grace to the humble. He comes to our assistance and offers us support. He pours out his favor upon us as we humble ourselves and trust in his ability rather then our own ability.
In Proverbs 28:25 it says “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat (prosper and enriched.” In Matthew 23:12 God promises to exalt (rise to a position of greater power or higher rank ) the humble. James 1:21 says In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls (mind, emotions & will). We cannot save our souls without the word and we cannot receive the word without humility.
Romans 8:6 states “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death.” Faith is a law that works every time it is put into use. Faith is a spiritual law just as gravity is a physical law. The law of gravity determines that you will fall every time that you jump off of a cliff. It will always work unless it is superseded by a higher law such as the law of lift.
Faith can be used as a tool just as a mechanic uses a wrench. Mark 11:24 tells us how faith works in Jesus’ own words. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” The manner in which the law of faith works is that you have to believe that you receive when you pray. Do not judge whether or not you have it based on what you can see. Make a righteous judgment by deciding that you have it because you believe the Word of God.
This principal is demonstrated in Joshua 18:3 when ” Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you? God had already given them the land but they did not go in to possess it. He was rebuking them for being slack at possessing what was promised. God promised it and yet they did not have it. As you search the scriptures you will find that the Bible paints such a beautiful picture of God’s generosity towards us. Are you possessing everything that God has promised you?
TheHopeWithin.Me 