K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Sweetie

"You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did - Jesus crucified." -1 Corinthians 2:1 MSG

Sometimes we make things so complicated.  This philosophy over here, and that way of doing something over there.  I am amazed by technical people who understand computers and complex technical systems - that is not me!

The good news for me, and the rest of us, is that the message of Jesus is simple.  Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead on the third day.  A true revelation of this profound and simple truth can turn your life completely around. The Bible says God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.  (1 Corinthians 1:27)

The more we learn about God and His truth, the more is built upon this simple idea.  God’s love is simple, but often very hard for us to understand - because it transcends our natural way of thinking. That is why we need faith to grab hold of it.

So, whenever you encounter something different or new from the Bible and it seems complex - be sure to keep it in perspective of the simplicity of the cross. Jesus died for all, so that all might live eternally, because of His perfect sacrifice.

Our Security & Confidence in God

"I know that you, God, are on the side of victims, that you care for the rights of the poor. And I know that the righteous personally thank you, that good people are secure in your presence."  Psalm 140:12-13 

Where do we get our security or our confidence from?  It's often easy to find both our identity and security in other people and things.  How do we know we've misplaced our sense of being, and our sense of belonging?  We'll often feel as though our core value lies outside ourselves, or that another is more valuable than we are.

There are so many cases of misplaced identity and devotion.  Just take a look at the Israelites. They had the answer, and they continued to follow false idols and gods.  Why did they do it?  They struggled with the age-old problem we've always had - do we let God be in control?  Or do we try to take the control back from Him?  (Which never really works out anyway...)

When you think of security, as in home security or a bank account, it means that the "boundaries" or "walls" are fortified.  There is no confusion about who is in or who is out.  Only the right people or things should be there.  Threats to security or safety remain outside the walls.  When we are secure, we know who is in, and who is out.  When God is at the center of our lives, there is no question about our own identity.  

"The Fear-of-God builds up confidence, and makes a world safe for your children." -Proverbs 14:26

Do you find your confidence, security, and identity in the One who made you?  Pray today that you might be even more dependent on Him to fulfill every need - in identity, in security, and most of all - in your own destiny. 

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,  comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say." 2 Thess 2:16-17