“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col. 1:15-17 NIV)

Atoms are the basic building blocks of ordinary matter

Atoms can join together to form molecules, which in turn form most of the objects around you. Atoms are composed of particles called protons, electrons and neutrons.

The mystery of what holds the atom together

The nucleus of an atom is positively charged while electrons are negatively charged. The neutrons are electrically neutral, and so the electric force won't hold them in. Furthermore, the protons are all positively charged and so they all repel each other. This creates a big physics dilemma. If everything within the atom is negatively and positively charged and naturally repel each other, what is it that holds them all together? The answer to the question is debated much with many theories, both old and new, involving things like quarks and gluons. Physicists all agree that there has to be some other force that holds protons and neutrons together, but that's were their agreement ends - it all comes down to guesses and theories.

The so called, “strong force”

Even though they are not in agreement as to what it is that holds atoms together, physicists have named it "the strong force." In addition, they claim the strong force is also responsible for binding the quarks and gluons into protons and neutrons.

All things were made through Jesus

All these physics discussions are frankly beyond my ability to wrap my brain around. I have chosen a simpler answer found in the Bible, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col. 1:17 NIV). That explains it to me!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:1-3 NIV)

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"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Rom. 6:14 KJV)

Did the devil make you do that? 

The late great comedian, Flip Wilson, said jokingly in one of his famous Geraldine routines, “The devil made me do it.” But, as a person united with Christ and set free from the power of sin, the devil has no power or authority to make you do anything! He is a liar and deceiver who will tempt you to do wrong things, but the final decision is entirely yours to make.

You have genuine safety and freedom in Christ!

When Jesus sets you free, you are “free indeed.” (John 8:36). Sin can only dominate you if you allow it to. The Bible commands us not to give the devil a foothold. (Eph. 4:27). 

We are no longer enslaved to sin!

“We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin." (Rom. 6:6-7 NIV)

You are free from the law of sin!

“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2 NIV)

You were called to freedom!

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Gal. 5:13 ESV)

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“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9 NIV)

This is called the great exchange!

This is the gospel — the good news that our sins are laid on Christ and his righteousness is laid on us.

This great exchange happens for us not by works but by faith alone. When you receive Christ as your personal savior you instantly become enriched.

 Here is what you get in the great exchange

• Forgiveness according to the riches of His grace. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight." (Eph. 1:7-8 NIV)

• Every special blessing in Christ. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3 NIV)

• You have been brought to fullness in Christ. “And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” (Col. 2:10 NIV)

• Your needs are supplied according to His riches in glory. “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19 NIV)

• You have a great inheritance. “To obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4 NIV). “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” (Eph. 1:18 NIV)

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“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” (Eph. 2:19 NIV)

There has been much written in the press lately about illegal aliens in our country and what to do about them. One answer, although not popular, is for them to do what the law of our country requires to become a citizen. Unfortunately, many illegals want to stay in our country, enjoy all of the benefits and privileges without doing what's required to become a citizen.

Religious Illegal Aliens

In the same way, many religious people, who call themselves Christians, are actually religious illegal aliens, because they have not done what is necessary to become a member of God’s citizenship.

Jesus spoke about them

He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV). He also said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9 NIV). He said, anyone who attempts to “enter any other way, is a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1). When Jesus said these things, many religious people, such as the Pharisees and other religious leaders of that day, became very angry and plotted to kill Him.

Just because you are a religious leader doesn't mean you are a citizen of God’s Kingdom

In fact, many religious leaders will find out at the day of judgement that they were not legal citizens of God’s Kingdom. Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matt. 7:22-23 NIV)

The great news is we can easily become legal citizens of God’s Kingdom by personal faith in Jesus!

“If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9 NIV)

Therefore…

Our citizenship changes when we become born again, and therefore become "fellow citizens with God’s people." (Eph. 2:19 NIV)

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“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Cor. 3:5-6 ESV)

God makes us sufficient 

The above passage points out that our sufficiency is from God who has made us sufficient and it is not from ourselves. Some translations use other words in the place of sufficiency such as “adequate”, “competent” , or “qualified”. No matter which word is used, however, the point is that God is the source of our sufficiency, adequacy, competency and qualification. It is not through the “letter of the law”, but rather comes to us through His Spirit, bringing life. The Amplified Bible states it this way, “Not that we are sufficiently qualified in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency and qualifications come from God. He has qualified us [making us sufficient] as ministers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not of the letter [of a written code] but of the Spirit; for the letter [of the Law] kills [by revealing sin and demanding obedience], but the Spirit gives life.”

All sufficiency in all things to abound in every good work

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8 ESV)

“That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17 ESV)

Therefore…

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt 6:33 ESV)

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“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory..” (Eph. 1:13-14 ESV)

I love blackberries!

As a youth, I loved to pick blackberries. I was fortunate to live in a community where they grew wild everywhere. I loved to eat them raw and any way they were prepared. I loved them in cobblers, pies, and on pancakes. I especially loved them made into jelly.  We made large batches of it each year. Blackberry jelly cooking on the stove filled our entire house with its wonderful fragrance. When it was done cooking it was poured into small jars and then hot paraffin wax was poured into the top of each one to create an airtight seal. The seal protected the jelly from anything that could contaminate it. The jars were then placed on a shelf in the pantry ready for us to use them throughout the rest of the year. One of my favorite things to do was to open a fresh jar of jelly by removing the waxed seal with a kitchen knife and get a whiff of the wonderful fresh blackberry aroma.

God has sealed you!

Similar to the waxed seal on jars of blackberry jelly, when you believed, God placed a protective seal on you with His Holy Spirit. It is there to keep you safe and guarantee your inheritance as His possession until the day of redemption. This is something to praise God about! (Eph. 1:13-14)

You can be assured

“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12b KJV)

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28 NIV)

Therefore…

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30 )

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22)

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“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” (Col. 3:12 ESV)

Every person is made by God to do the good works that He has uniquely equipped us to do:  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10 ESV). The devil does everything within his power to stop you from doing what God has created you for. You must remain watchful, strong and vigilant in order to keep on track. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV)

Don’t let distractions stop you

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” (Eccles. 11:4 NIV)

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

Don’t let conditions stop you 

We had some extreme weather in our area last winter and along with it came hardships for those who had to work outside. As I drove by a nearby housing construction project, I noticed the workers were outside getting things done and I felt sorry for them. But, as I passed by the same site this Spring, I saw that it had been completed and families had moved in. It was good that those workers hadn’t quit because of bad weather. When you think about it, there are few perfect weather days and if you waited for conditions to be perfect before you did anything, not much would get done. The same can be said for doing God’s work. Conditions are rarely perfect there, too. God’s important work must be carried out at all times, no matter what the conditions may be. The Bible says to be ready to do His work “in season and out of season.” (2 Tim. 4:2). 

Don’t let laziness stop you

The problem with some is simply laziness.The Bible says, “Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.” (Prov. 20:4 NLT). 

Therefore…

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:58 ESV)

“For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.” (1 Cor. 3:9 ESV)

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13 ESV)

Quotes:

“God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them.” - C.S. Lewis

“Christians are like the several flowers in a garden that have each of them the dew of heaven, which, being shaken with the wind, they let fall at each other’s roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.” - John Bunyon

“The Bible is God’s chart for you to steer by, to keep you from the bottom of the sea, and to show you where the harbor is, and how to reach it without running on rocks or bars.” - Henry Ward Beecher

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"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” (Rom. 15:5 NIV)

I was a high-baller

When I was in my early 20’s I worked as a drywall installer, also called a sheetrocker. My partner and I were what you would call in those days, high-ballers, because we were very fast at it! In fact, we often completed two houses in one day. Back then we nailed drywall on with a hammer (it's screwed on these days), and I figured out, at 48 nails per sheet, that I hammered in about a million nails every three months! That's a lot of nails! All that lifting and hammering made me very strong in those days.

Eventually I changed jobs and started doing something less strenuous

Many years later, my son John, was installing wallboard on the ceiling of a house he was working on and asked me if I would give him a hand since I knew how to do it. I agreed, and grabbed my old set of tools and jumped right in. I was happy to see that I could still swing a hammer and lift the heavy board! It was like I had never stopped…. well, for a very short time, anyway. I soon ran out of energy, and got tired. Sadly, even though I knew what to do, and was willing to do it, I was no longer in my 20’s and didn't have the strength or endurance I once had. I felt bad about it, but John just smiled, and said, “it's okay Dad!” I knew he was trying to be encouraging to me and I appreciated it. I continued to help him that day, but he did most of the heavy lifting.

Endurance and encouragement

Endurance is defined as the act of working very hard without stopping, even in the face of difficult situations or pain. Encouragement is defined as an expression of support or approval, or is words or actions that assist or inspire someone or something.

In our walk of faith, God gives us both endurance and encouragement, and He expects us to do the same for others

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb. 10:24-25 NIV)

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thes. 5:11 NIV)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4 NIV)

Quotes:

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” - Thomas A. Edison

“If you are going through hell, keep going.” - Winston Churchill

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“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” (Psalm 119:60 NIV) 

Hasten: To move or act swiftly. To happen sooner than otherwise would be the case; Speedy, hastiness, hurriedness, rush, fastness, motion, movement, swiftness, urgency.  

When God commands, just do it

If you’re a parent and you tell one of your children to do something, but he delays and says, “I’m thinking it over!” Like most parents, you will predictably respond with some appropriate corrective discipline. That’s because you know that delayed obedience is actually disobedience to you. In the same way, when God, your Heavenly Father, tells you to do something, He expects you to do it—now. God also wants you to obey fully. Not partially or half-heartedly. Partial obedience is also disobedience. You can’t pick and choose what instructions you’ll follow and what you won’t follow. 

Delaying to act fast is sin

Someone has described the space between, when you know what you must do and when you actually do it, as disobedience—another word for sin. The Bible puts it this way, “To know what the right thing to do is, and yet not doing it, is sin.” (James 4:17). When God commands you do do something, that is always the right thing to do without delay. 

“For he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!” (Psalm 95:7-8 NLT) 

If you call Jesus your Lord, then immediately do what He says!

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46 ESV)

“But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” (John 14:31 ESV)

“But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’” (Jer. 7:23 ESV)

Therefore…

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;” (Exo. 19:5 ESV) 

“But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.” (Exo. 23:22 ESV)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:22-23 ESV)

 Quotes:

 “Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late - and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work.” - A. W. Tozer

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” - Jim Elliot

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